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I Know My Savior Lives

God Is the Father Of My Spirit

Opening Song: “I Lived In Heaven” CS pg. 4 Opening Prayer: Scripture: Acts 17:29: We are the offspring of God 1 John 4:4: Ye are of God, little children. 1 Cor 8:6: But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. Thought: "God has known you individually, brethren, for a long, long time (see D&C 93:23). He has loved you for a long, long time. He not only knows the names of all the stars (see Psalm 147:4; Isaiah 40:26); He knows your names and all your heartaches and your joys! By the way, you have never seen an immortal star; they finally expire. But seated by you tonight are immortal individuals--imperfect but who are, nevertheless, 'trying to be like Jesus'!" Neal A. Maxwell, "Remember How Merciful the Lord Hath Been," Ensign, May 2004, 46

"Let us all recognize that each of us is a son or daughter of our Father in Heaven, who loves all

of His children."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Need for Greater Kindness," Ensign, May 2006, 58

"There has come to you as your birthright something beautiful and sacred and divine. Never

forget that. Your Eternal Father is the great Master of the universe. He rules over all, but He also

will listen to your prayers as His daughter and hear you as you speak with Him. He will answer

your prayers. He will not leave you alone."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road," Ensign, May 2004, 112 Lesson: Use these quotes to help your family understand the divinity of their spirits! In These Three I Believe President Gordon B. Hinckely, Ensign, July 2006 I believe without equivocation or reservation in God the Eternal Father. He is my Father, the Father of my spirit, and the Father of the spirits of all men. He is the great Creator, the Ruler of

the universe. He directed the Creation of this earth on which we live. In His image man was created. He is personal. He is real. He is individual. He has “a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s” (D&C 130:22).

Entire talk: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=0adce2270ed6c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD The Plan of Salvation Elder L. Tom Perry, Ensign, Nov 2006 Many people wonder, “Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going?” Our Eternal Father did not send us to earth on an aimless, meaningless journey. He provided for us a plan to follow. He is the author of that plan. It is designed for man’s progress and ultimate salvation and exaltation. Quoting from the missionary guide Preach My Gospel:

“God is the Father of our spirits. We are literally His children, and He loves us. We lived as spirit children of our Father in Heaven before we were born on this earth. We were not, however, like our Heavenly Father, nor could we ever become like Him and enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body.

“God’s whole purpose —His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth” ([2004], 48).

Entire talk: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=e3a10d034ceae010VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Activity: Pull out some old family pictures and talk about how you can see similarities between parents and children, even in other families. Discuss how we have parents here on earth who are the parents of our physical bodies. Similarly, we have parents in Heaven who are the parents of our spirits. You can play a version of “Guess Who” of your own family! (“It” says, “I’m thinking of a person who has _____ hair and ______ eyes.” going on to describe other characteristics starting with most general and leading to more specifics until the person is guessed!) Closing Song: “I Am A Child Of God” Hymn No. 301 Closing Prayer:

Jesus Christ Is the Son Of God

Opening Song: “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” Hymn No. 136 Opening Prayer: Scripture: Article of Faith 1: We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. Matthew 17:5: While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. (Jesus’ baptism) Matthew 3:17: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Thought:

"With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift my voice in testimony today as a special

witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the

flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He loves us with a love we

cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him

is beyond expression.

"I invoke His blessings upon you, my beloved brothers and sisters, in your homes, in your work,

in your service to one another and to the Lord Himself. Together we shall move forward doing

His work."

Thomas S. Monson, "Looking Back and Moving Forward," Ensign, May 2008, 90

"To all who may have doubts, I repeat the words given Thomas as he felt the wounded hands of

the Lord: 'Be not faithless, but believing.' Believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the greatest

figure of time and eternity. Believe that his matchless life reached back before the world was

formed. Believe that he was the Creator of the earth on which we live. Believe that he was

Jehovah of the Old Testament, that he was the Messiah of the New Testament, that he died and

was resurrected, that he visited the western continents and taught the people here, that he ushered

in this final gospel dispensation, and that he lives, the living Son of the living God, our Savior

and our Redeemer."

Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Not Faithless," Ensign, Apr. 1989, 2

Lesson: This is one of those topics that can be a very powerful testimony-building opportunity for your family. I would encourage you to keep the lesson simple and bear your testimony of how you know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. You can start by reading “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles”, or just part of it. You can also expand on the two quotes from President Monson and President Hinckley. Here is a link to “The Living Christ”: http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=735b862384d20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e1fa5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s last conference address is also a good resource. It is very powerful! Here is one of my favorite parts: “As pertaining to Jesus Christ, I testify that He is the Son of the Living God and was crucified for the sins of the world. He is our Lord, our God, and our King. This I know of myself, independent of any other person. I am one of His witnesses, and in a coming day I shall feel the nail marks in His hands and in His feet and shall wet His feet with my tears. But I shall not know any better then than I know now, that He is God's Almighty Son, that He is our Savior and Redeemer, and that salvation comes in and through His atoning blood and in no other way. God grant that all of us may walk in the light as God our Father is in the light so that, according to the promises, the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son will cleanse us from all sin. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.” Here’s the link to the entire talk: http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1985.htm/ensign%20may%201985%20.htm/the%20purifying%20power%20of%20gethsemane.html Activity: Have everyone write their testimonies of Jesus Christ in their journals. Closing Song: “I Believe In Christ” Hymn No. 134 Closing Prayer: Here’s a link to the song the Primary children learn in January 2010 “I Know That My Savior Loves Me” http://lds.org/ldsorg/lds_servlet/EmailArticleProcess?action=view&cmlId=528918&locale=0&emId=681575339 This is a link to a you-tube video of this song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3Fc7yZmWao&feature=player_embedded

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Love me January – Week 3

Opening Song: “My Heavenly Father Loves Me” (CS, 228-29)

Opening Prayer:

Quotes:Quotes:Quotes:Quotes:

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said “ How important it is for every human soul to see and appreciate the glory and grandeur of God in everything about us…All the marvels of nature are glimpses of his divine power and expressions of his love”. From “God’s Love for His Children,” Ensign, May 1988, 57–59 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “He loves each of us—insecurities, anxieties, self-image, and all…Walk peacefully. Walk confidently. Walk without fear and without envy. Be reassured of Heavenly Father’s abundance to you always.” Scripture: 1 Nephi 17:36; Genesis 1 (Creation)

Lesson:

If someone you love very, very much was going on an important journey, how would you help him

prepare? You might give him a special gift to use while he was away. You would want the gift to be

something that would show him every day how much you love him. It would be exciting for him to find

the gift when he arrived at his destination. You would have to plan carefully... You might ask someone to

help you prepare your special gift.

If you planned and prepared a special gift for someone you loved and he didn’t even take time to look at

it, you would probably feel sad. If he never said thank you for the gift, you might think that he didn’t like

it.

Your Father in Heaven loves you. You lived with Him before you came to this earth. It was part of His

plan that you would leave Him for a time to receive a physical body, to hear and accept the gospel, and

to return to Him someday. Because He wanted you to have a wonderful place to live while you were

away, He planned the creation of an earth filled with beautiful gifts such as sunlight, air, water, trees,

flowers, animals, sunsets, and rainbows. He chose Jesus to be the Creator of the earth. Jesus followed

His instructions exactly and created an earth filled with gifts of beauty and love for you.

You can see Heavenly Father’s beautiful gifts all around you. Take time to look at the stars at night, take

a deep breath of fresh air, hold a puppy, listen to the birds sing, smell a flower, make a snowball, feel

the rain on your face, run with the wind, jump into a pile of leaves, watch the ocean, splash in a rain

puddle, roll down a hill. The beauties of the earth are all gifts of love from Heavenly Father. When you

see and enjoy these gifts of love, take time to thank Him for them.

Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: My Father in Heaven Loves Me,” Friend, Jan 1996, 12

Activity “Our Beautiful World—Part of the Plan,” Friend, Jan 2005, 43 As part of His wonderful plan for us, Heavenly Father created a beautiful world where we could receive a body and prove ourselves worthy to return to Him. Look at the smaller circles that show different parts of the world. Find the one that shows where you live, and mark the spot where you live with a star. Then, in the large circle, draw a picture of your family enjoying our beautiful world. Remember to thank Heavenly Father every day for our beautiful world.

Closing song: “All Things Bright and Beautiful” (CS pg 231)

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Loves Me

By Sharee Zirker

(Adapted from the Primary Nursery Manual, lesson 4)

Introduction: Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have perfect love for each of us individually. They loved us before we came to this earth; They continue to love us now; and Their great love for us will never change. During His earthly ministry, the Savior demonstrated great love for little children in particular.

Scriptures you can use: Matthew 18:5, 10; Mark 10:13-16; 3 Nephi 17: 11-24

Preparation: Read 3 Nephi 17:11-12, 21-24 and be prepared to summarize this story briefly for small children and you can go into more detail with older children. You will need a Book of Mormon for each family member if you plan on reading this account as a family. You will also need any other items for the optional activities.

Instruction: Tell your family that you love them, and talk briefly about some other people who love them, such as brothers, sisters, grandparents, and teachers and so on. Then explain that there are two others who love them more than anyone-Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Tell them, “Heavenly Father and Jesus know who you are. They know your name and They love you.” Bear your own testimony of a time in which you have felt that in your own life.

Personal Story: When I went to get my Patriarchal blessing, I didn’t know the patriarch and he didn’t know me. My name is Sharee but he kept calling me Sherri. We talked for quite some time and he continued to call me Sherri even though I had corrected him a couple of times. When it was time to give me my blessing, he called me Sharee. My name Sharee is said several times in my

blessing. When he was done giving me my blessing and he had lifted his hands from my head, he called me Sherri. I knew then that Heavenly Father knew me and knew what my name was. I learned a great lesson that day and know without a doubt my Heavenly Father loves me and knows who I am.

Scripture Story: Display the picture of Christ with the little children from the Book of Mormon times. Tell your family that we learn in the scriptures that Jesus loved little children. Open the Book of Mormon and summarize or read the account. (3 Nephi 17:11-12, 21-24)

Song: Sing or say to “I Feel My Saviors Love” (Childrens Songbook, 74-75)

Conclusion: Share with your family your testimony that Heavenly Father and Jesus love each of them. Have your family repeat the phrase, “Heavenly Father and Jesus love me.”

Optional Activities: Bring a small mirror that is large enough for the family to see their faces. Have the family sit in a circle. Move around inside of the circle with the mirror, and let each family member see their face. As each member looks in the mirror, ask the member of the family to say his or her name. Then say, “Heavenly Father and Jesus love (name of person).” This may sound childish but it really does make an impact.

Bring four or five pictures of things that Heavenly Father has blessed us with, such as a picture of family, a home, trees, the scriptures, and so on. You can use pictures from Church magazines, copies of pictures from books, or simple pictures you have drawn. Place the pictures you have brought in various places throughout the room. Tell the children that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given us many blessings because They love us. Young children: Invite them to walk with you to one of the pictures, and help them name the blessing it represents. Invite them to do an action associated with that blessing (pretend to read the scriptures,

pretend to be a tree, and so on). Older children: can pick a picture and tell what blessing it is and how they know Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love them.

Coloring: Copy and cut out the illustration for each child to color. Thread yarn or a string through the top of each circle to make a necklace. Let the children color the necklaces you prepared for them.

Jesus Christ is my Savior and Redeemer

(For this lesson, do not try to do or use everything listed. Pick and choose what will work

for your family. All the ideas listed below will be able to reinforce the lesson topic. )

Songs 1. John 3:16 (see attached scripture song or view link) a)Sheet Music b)

Audio 2. John 14:6 (see attached scripture song or view link) a)Sheet Music &

Audio 3. God Loved Us So He Sent His Son #187 HS 4. I Lived in Heaven #4 PS 5. He Sent His Son #34 PS 6. The Third Article of Faith #123 PS

PS = Primary songbook FS = Traditional familiar children’s song HS = Hymns

Scripture Quotes & Stories

1. John 14:6 The only way to return to live with Heavenly Father is through Christ.

2. John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. 3. 1 Peter 2:21 Christ suffered for our sins. 4. Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus in the Garden 5. D&C 19:16-18 Jesus suffered so we don’t have to if we repent.

Stories

1. Abraham & Isaac Genesis 22 2. The Drawbridge Keeper (an allegory written by a Baptist man that helps

us to visualize to some degree how much God loves us.)

Outings

1. Go to a forested area and kneel together in prayer as a family. Talk about what happened in the Garden of Gethsemane.

2. Visit the temple visitors center, view statues, pictures and movies about Christ.

Activities

1. Get a large piece of poster board and draw out the Plan of Salvation, or use the sheet provided. Explain each step in the process.

a. Before we came to earth, there was a war in Heaven where two plans were presented. Lucifer wanted to have glory unto himself. He wanted to make everyone come back to heaven. Jesus gave glory to His Father. Because Jesus’ plan allowed for us to choose, we also needed a Savior. Jesus was willing to die that we might live again.

b. Those who chose to follow Satan were cast into outer darkness. c. Those who chose to follow Christ were given the opportunity to

pass through the veil of forgetfulness and come to earth to gain a body and be tested.

d. After death, spirits wait in Paradise until they will be resurrected. e. There are three kingdoms that God has prepared for us.

2. Go to www.mormon.org and watch videos and read scripts of what we believe regarding Christ and His role as Redeemer.

3. Visit http://jesuschrist.lds.org/ . This site is dedicated solely to what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believes about our Savior.

Refreshment Ideas

1.Make a pure and simple treat, like Raspberry Pears.

1. Wash and cut pear in half. 2. Scoop out the seeds with a melon baller. 3. Add a teaspoon of raspberry jam to the hole created. 4. Make enough halves for each person to have at least one. 5. Enjoy.

2. Make a pretty fruit salad.

Possible Discussion Questions

• Why was Jesus’ plan better than Lucifer’s plan?

• What are the qualifications for getting into the highest realms of the Celestial Kingdom?

• How do we know that God loves us?

• Can any of the people on earth still go to Outer Darkness?

• What happens in Paradise?

• What is a Savior?

• Is there anything besides sins that Jesus paid a price for through the atonement?

• What do we need to do to be able to be resurrected? Anything? Or is it a free gift?

• Why do we need to repent of sins?

• What if I didn’t know I was sinning?

• What about young children?

Reference List

1. See internet links on each section. 2. www.snopes.com 3. www.lds.org 4. Go here for more song possibilities. (More songs on this topic may be

added over time.) 5. Refer to www.completelee.com for more information. 6. Email publish@completelee.com with questions.

Through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved.

Opening song: God Loved Us, So He Sent His Son. H187 Opening prayer: Article of Faith: *Option: Write each word to the Article of Faith and cut

it out and have the family put it together before you read it.

“We believe that through the Atonement of Christ all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.”

Jesus Christ is the Firstborn Son of our Heavenly Father and is the Savior of all mankind. He is the creator of the earth. He came to earth to live among the children of men so that he might show them the way to live like their Heavenly Father. He fulfilled his mission by offering his perfect life as a sacrifice for the sins of every person who will live on the earth so that we will be able to live in Heaven with Heavenly Father again. By accepting his Atonement, we can repent of our sins and obtain a glorious resurrection and eternal life. (LDS Childrens Encyclopedia pg. 84) Story: Parable of the Circus Because of the Atonement, all mankind will be resurrected. Those who will return to our Heavenly Father and enjoy Eternal life are those who:

1) Obey the commandments or laws of the Lord that are given to us through the scriptures and the prophets.

2) Make and keep sacred covenants. 3) Repent of their sins.

Activity: Memory match. Print 2 of each page and play memory.

These are some of the commandments we must keep in order to return again to our Heavenly Father. The person with the most matches wins. You could discuss as a family each of the commandments as you turn them over

and decide if it is something you need to work on individually or as a family.

Closing song: He Sent His Son. CS34 Closing prayer:

Parable of the Circus

Author unknown

I want to tell you a story about a boy named Jason. He lived many years ago when there were no amusement parks or movie theatres, but there was a circus. Every couple of years “The Greatest Show on Earth” would come and it was the talk of the town. Every young boy and girl wanted to go. But times were hard for a lot of people. Money wasn’t easy to come by and a ticket to the circus was $1.00. Jason was so disappointed when his mother said that they would not be able to pay for their family to attend. Jason tried to hide the tears that were filling his eyes, but his mother noticed and put her arms around him. She said, “I don’t see any way we could earn $4.00 for our whole family to go to the circus, but I will pay you $.10 for each extra job you do around the house so that you can earn $1.00 and go to the circus.”

Jason jumped at the chance to earn some money. He wanted to go to the circus more than anything. After all, it was “The Greatest Show On Earth.” For the next couple weeks he worked hard and did everything his mother asked. Finally, just days before the circus was to come, Jason had earned ten dimes, just enough money for his ticket to the circus.

The day of the big circus came. There were balloons and banners, fun music, and sweet smelling treats. Jason could feel the excitement in the air as he walked closer to the entrance gate.

But something caught his eye. Near the gate was a candy stand with the biggest lollipop suckers Jason had ever seen. They were twisted with bright colors and various designs.

Jason asked, “How much are your suckers, sir?”

“Ten cents,” came the reply.

“If I give you ten cents then I won’t have enough money to buy my circus ticket,” said Jason.

“Oh, it’s only a dime. They’ll probably still let you in. Wouldn’t it be so fun to sit and watch the circus with a big, fruity sucker? Everyone else is going to have one. I’ve been selling them like hot cakes.”

Jason thought to himself. Ninety cents is really close to a dollar. Surely no one would turn him away being only ten cents short.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out a dime, and handed it to the man at the counter and in return Jason got one of the biggest most colorful lollipops ever. He couldn’t even wait to get inside the circus tent to open the treat and start licking. It was just as delicious as he had imagined.

But, as he neared the ticket booth, Jason grew more and more nervous.

It was his turn. The man at the ticket window asked, “How many tickets son?”

“Just one he replied.”

“That will be $1.00”

Jason dropped his fist full of coins on the counter, hoping the man would not notice that he was a dime short. But he did notice.

“Son, you only have ninety cents. That’s not enough. A ticket costs $1.00. You’ll have to go get one more dime before I can give you a ticket.”

Jason tried to fight back the tears, but the look on his face showed how upset he was. Tearfully, he explained what he had done with the other ten cents.

“Oh son, I’m sorry. Wait here one minute while I talk to the circus owner,” said the man, “Maybe he’ll let you in for ninety cents.”

It seemed like he was gone forever. Jason wished now that he had not given in and bought the sucker. It no longer tasted so good to him. What he had wanted most was to see the circus.

“The man returned with a kind looking gentleman. He smiled and said, “Son, I would love for you to see the circus, but I can’t let you in for ninety cents. You see, it wouldn’t be fair to all the people who had to pay $1.00. But here’s what I’ll do. If you’ll give me the half eaten lollipop, I will give you the ten cents you need to buy the ticket, and you will then be able to enter through the circus gate and see “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Jason threw both arms around the man and gave him a big hug. “Oh thank you, thank you.” He said, as he gave up his lollipop. I will always remember how kind you were to me. Jason went in and enjoyed the circus.

***This story is a parable. Like the kind that Jesus once told.

The circus or “The Greatest Show on Earth“ represents eternal life, or living with our Father in Heaven. It is what we desire more than anything and is the greatest gift of all the gifts of God.

The ten dimes represent the things that we have been commanded to do in order to live again with our Father in Heaven. We have to obey all of the commandments in order to live with him again.

Satan is kind of like the man that sold Jason the sucker. Satan will try to convince you that what he has to offer is delicious and desirable and that you do not have to keep all of the commandments. He might tell you that as long as you are pretty good, you’ll still be OK. But the truth is, Satan is a liar. Following him will only lead to regret and sorrow.

The kind circus owner is like our Savior Jesus Christ. He cannot change the rules just for us when we make a mistake, but he has offered to suffer for our sins. He will take away our sins if we will repent. Only through Jesus Christ can we partake of eternal life.

When the little boy gave up his sucker that represented Repentance: When we repent, we are giving up our wrong choices and in so doing the Lord blesses us.

(Cut a bite out of one sucker, and place the other sucker in the candy store. You may want to have 10

real dimes also available for the story.)

Get Baptized and keep the covenants you

made.

Be worthy to attend the temple.

Keep the Word of Wisdom.

Get Baptized and keep the covenants you

Attend all church meetings and keep the

Sabbath day holy.

Be worthy to attend the

Show love and respect towards others.

Keep the Word of

Share the Gospel with others.

Attend all church meetings and keep the

Sabbath day holy.

ve and respect towards others.

Share the Gospel with

Read and study the scriptures.

Pay a full tithing.

Have faith in Jesus Christ.

Read and study the

Make good choices.

full tithing.

Say your prayers.

Have faith in Jesus Christ.

Keep the Commandments.

Make good choices.

Say your prayers.

Keep the Commandments.

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, all mankind

can be saved. (Week 2)

Thought:

You should learn while you are young that while the Atonement of Christ applies to humanity in

general, the influence of it is individual, very personal, and very useful. Even to you beginners,

an understanding of the Atonement is of immediate and very practical value in everyday life.

(Boyd K. Packer, “Washed Clean,” Ensign, May 1997, 9.)

Song:

“He Sent His Son” Children’s Songbook, p. 34.

Scripture:

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the

laws and ordinances of the Gospel.

(Article of Faith 1:3)

Object Lesson:

Show your family an eraser. Ask them to suppose that at the beginning of each school year each student

was given an eraser to use. When a mistake was made, the eraser would be used to correct it instead of

writing over it or crossing it out. This would allow the student to correct the error and learn from it. It

would not be important how much of the eraser was left at the end of the year. What would matter

would be that it was used each time it was needed. Therefore, even a student who made many errors

could finish the year successfully.

Explain that as children of God we have been given an eraser to take care of our mistakes. It is

repentance. It is important that we don’t cover up or ignore our shortcomings. We must use the process

of repentance to correct the errors in our lives. In the end it will not matter how often we have had to

rely on repentance. What will matter is whether we did repent every time it was needed. By doing this

we can finish this earth life successfully. (Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, More Power Tools for

Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 61.)

Story: Cut and laminate visuals and tell story #1. An optional story #2 included after story #1.

Additional Activities and Ideas: • Write Atonement vertically on chalkboard or large piece of paper. With children’s help, use word or phrase describing Atonement, beginning with each letter. For example: Atonement, The Only Begotten, Obedience, Not Easy, Eternal, Mankind, Everlasting, Nail, Testimony.

• Write each word or phrase of third article of faith on separate piece of paper, mix them up, and give each to different child. Have children put words into correct order.

Story #1 For I am God, and have sent mine Only Begotten Son into the world for the redemption of the world (D&C 49:5). When Paul H. Dunn of the First Quorum of the Seventy was eleven years old, baseball was an important part of his life. Paul’s parents permitted his team to use their large backyard for a baseball diamond. It was completely fenced in, with an alley running along the outside. Beyond the alley was a large church with a beautiful stained glass window that faced the center-field fence.

One hot summer evening an exciting baseball game was in progress in the Dunn backyard. Paul came to bat late in the game and hit an outside pitch. It looked like it might be the best hit he had ever made! The ball cleared the center-field fence, crossed the alley, and then, to everyone’s dismay, entered the church building through the large stained glass window some 260 feet away. It seemed to young Paul that the glass fell for hours. The players scattered in every direction.

When Paul got up the courage to return home, he discovered that his father had two visitors. They were both ministers from the neighboring church. To Paul’s surprise, they seemed to know from which house the baseball had come. Paul admitted to the ministers that he had hit the ball that had broken the window and told them that he was very sorry.

Paul’s father put his arm around his son’s shoulder, patted him on the head, and said, “This is a good boy.” He, too, apologized for the mishap and asked how much it would cost to replace the stained glass window. They told him that it would be about $500.

It was then that his father taught young Paul a great lesson. He asked the ministers if they understood the principle of Christ’s atonement. They seemed a little puzzled. His father said, “In our Church, we believe that ‘through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the gospel’ ” (third article of faith). He explained that the atonement allows each of us to be forgiven of our sins if we repent. Jesus paid for all our sins when He suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane. As the only perfect person who ever lived on earth, He was the only one who could do this for us. We could not do it for ourselves. Without His sacrifice, we could never be forgiven of our sins and would not be able to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus again.

Paul’s father pointed out that although Paul had broken a window, he could never pay for it himself. His allowance of 25¢ a week would never pay for a $500 window. Taking his checkbook from his coat pocket, he wrote out a check for the amount needed and said, “As Paul’s father, and because I love him, I will pay the price that he cannot.”

This experience helped Paul understand what Jesus did for us when He atoned for our sins. At this Easter time we can be thankful that Heavenly Father loved us enough to send His Son so that we can be forgiven when we do something wrong.

Story #2 Optional:

“Can’t We Ever Be Friends Again?”

(Stephen E. Robinson)

When my son Michael was six or seven, he did something I thought was wrong. He is my only son, and I

want him to be better than his dad was. So when he slipped up, I sent him to his room with the

instructions, “Don’t you dare come out until I come and get you!”

And then I forgot. Some hours later, as I was watching television, I heard his door open and tentative

footsteps coming down the hall. I slapped my forehead and ran to meet him. There he was with swollen

eyes and tears on his cheeks. He looked up at me—not quite sure he should have come out—and said,

“Dad, can’t we ever be friends again?” I melted and pulled him to me. He’s my boy, and I love him.

We all do things that disappoint our Father in Heaven, that separate us from his presence, his Spirit.

There are times when we get sent to our rooms, spiritually though not physically. When that happens,

we sometimes lift up our eyes and say, “O Father, can’t we ever be friends again?” The answer, found in

all the scriptures, is a resounding “Yes—through the atonement of Christ.”

(The Gift of the Atonement, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2002], p.133.)

Jesus Christ will be resurrected and I will be

too.

February - Week 4

Opening song: “Did Jesus Really Live Again?” (CS pg. 64)

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: “Because of Christ there is hope smiling brightly before you, and you need

not worry too much about … death. … Through our Savior Jesus Christ you will be resurrected.”1

Julie B. Beck, Relief Society General President “There Is Hope Smiling Brightly before Us,” Ensign, May 2003, 103–104.

Did Jesus really live again after he had died? Oh yes! And so shall I! (Children’s Songbook, 64).

Story: “My Brother and the Resurrection,” Friend, Apr 2009, 4–5; Laurie Walker,

(Based on a true story)

Michelle stood up in front of the entire Primary, not sure if she was ready to do this. In Primary during

the month of April, they were talking about Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Michelle had been excited when it

was her class’s turn to give the talk and say the prayer in opening exercises. She had asked if she could

give the talk, knowing just what she would talk about.

But now she wasn’t so sure. Her stomach was feeling funny, and her mouth was dry. Then she saw her

mom and dad in the back of the room and remembered the prayer they had together that morning.

Now she didn’t feel quite so scared anymore.

Michelle took a deep breath and held up a picture of a tiny baby. “This is my brother. His name is David

Alan, and he would have been three years old this year. But when he was born, he couldn’t breathe very

well. He stayed alive in the hospital long enough to have a blessing, and then he died. I never got to see

my brother, and sometimes I’m really sad about that.”

Then Michelle held up a picture of Jesus. “But because of the Atonement and Resurrection, I don’t have

to be sad all the time. When Jesus died and came back to life, He made it possible for my little brother

to one day have a perfect body. That will happen when Jesus comes back to earth and people are

resurrected. I can hardly wait, because then I will see my little brother again.”

Michelle held up her brother’s picture again. “I know sometimes people have to die. My family still gets

sad sometimes when we think of David Alan. But we know that Jesus suffered for our sins, died for us,

and was resurrected so that we can be resurrected too.

“I’m glad I’ll be able to see my little brother and that he will be healthy. I’m also glad that Heavenly

Father and Jesus loved us enough to make the Atonement happen so we can see the people we love

again. I say this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Michelle stepped down from the podium. When she went to the back of the room, she gave her mom

and dad a big hug.

“You did a wonderful job,” Mom whispered.

“We love you so much,” Dad said.

Michelle felt happy after her talk because Heavenly Father put a good feeling in her heart. She knew He

loved her too.

Lesson & Activity:

To teach about Christ’s Resurrection, set up the room to look like a courtroom. Make signs (following

page) for the witnesses to wear. Choose a family member to be the judge. Prepare children in advance

to be witnesses. Let them read through their parts ahead of time so they will feel comfortable

participating. Similar to a reader’s theater, interview each of the witnesses who can testify of the death

and Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Witnesses:

� Joseph of Arimathaea [Matt. 27:59–60];

� Nicodemus [John 19:39, 40, 42];

� Mary Magdalene [John 20:11–18];

� the eleven Apostles [John 20:19–21];

� Thomas [John 20:24, 26–28];

� Paul [1 Cor. 15:3–8];

� two angels and the Apostles [Acts 1:3–11];

� Joseph Smith [JS—H 1:14–20];

� Sidney Rigdon [D&C 76:22];

� President Gordon B. Hinckley ["He lives, the Son of God, He who was the great Jehovah

… He who gave His life on Calvary’s cross in the great atoning sacrifice; He who rose

from the dead the third day. … He is … our Redeemer … through whose atonement

there has been opened the gate of immortality and eternal life" (Ensign, Dec. 1994, 2).])

As a lawyer for the defense, make a closing statement for the case proving that you have heard all these

testimonies that Jesus was resurrected. Bear testimony that we will be resurrected also and may live

again with Heavenly Father if we choose the right and follow Jesus Christ.

Closing Song: “He Died That We Might Live Again” (CS pg.65)

Closing Prayer:

JUDGE

LAWYER

LAWYER

Joseph of Arimathaea

Nicodemus

Mary Magdalene

The eleven Apostles

Thomas

Paul

Two angels & the

Apostles

Joseph Smith

Sidney Rigdon

Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Prophets are Called of God

Outline

Preparation: print out and color the visuals of the prophets and mount them each on a stick.

OPENING: Assign a song and prayer

SUGGESTED MUSIC: Follow the Prophet CS # 110

Latter-Day prophets CS# 134

Come, Listen to a Prophet’s Voice Hymn #21

We Thank Thee, Oh God for a Prophet Hymn #19

SCRIPTURE: D&C 21:5

ACTIVITY: Prophet who am I? Using the visuals hold up each

prophet and see how well the family can guess

who they are.

LESSON: Prophets are Called of God

STORY: President Monson Speaks to the youth

GAME: Follow the Prophet

CLOSING: Assign a song and prayer

TREAT: Fudge

“For his word ye

shall receive, as

if from mine own

mouth, in all

patience and

faith” D&C 21:5

Lesson

Start the lesson with the Who am I Activity

Because Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to return to live with Him, He had His Son Jesus Christ

create the earth and establish His church on it. Then Heavenly Father called special men, known as

prophets, to teach and guide His people according to His plan. And when people strayed from His

counsel and destroyed His church, He called more prophets to help us because He loves us so much!

Three of these prophets are Adam, Lehi, and Joseph Smith.

Adam helped Jesus Christ create the earth. Later, Adam was the first mortal man on earth and thus the

“father” of all of us. He was married to his wife, Eve, by the Lord; was taught the gospel of Jesus Christ;

was baptized in water and received the Holy Ghost; and taught the gospel to his sons and daughters. He

will come again at the end of the Millennium to conquer Satan and his forces forever.*

Lehi was a prophet during a time when the Jews were rebelling against the gospel. He warned them that

they would be destroyed and scattered across the earth if they did not repent. They did not repent, so

God told Lehi to take his family and flee into the wilderness. He took the brass plates with them so that

they would have their family history and the scriptures to help them remember Heavenly Father and His

teachings when they went to their new home in the promised land. Lehi died in the promised land but

was promised that the story of his people and God’s love for them would someday be told to all the

world.†

The Lord called Joseph Smith to be a prophet when he was just a young man. The true Church of Jesus

Christ was no longer on the earth, and the Prophet Joseph was called to restore it. He received the

priesthood—the power and authority of God—and all the priesthood keys needed to restore the

Church. He translated the Book of Mormon, the story of Lehi’s people and another testament of Jesus

Christ. He preached the gospel to all who would listen, and he built the first temple in modern times.‡

Another prophet, John Taylor, declared, “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done

more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. …

He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and … has sealed his mission and his works with his

own blood.”** “Prophets—Called of God for Us,” Friend, Jan 2001, 28

Notes

* See D&C 27:11; Moses 5:12; D&C 88:110–116.

† See 1 Ne. 1:18–20; 2:2; 5:10–14, 18; 2 Ne. 4:12; 27:6–7, 11–12.

‡ See JS—H 1:33–35, 54, 68–72; D&C 21:1–2; 35:17; 109:1–2, 14, 22–24, 67, 75.** D&C 135:3.

Young people, you live in tumultuous times. You have choices to make—choices with eternal

consequences. But you are not left unaided in your decisions, however small or however large they may

be.

It has been said that history turns on small hinges, and so do people’s lives. That is why it is worthwhile

to look ahead, to set a course, to be ready when the moment of decision comes.

I ask the question, “What will be your faith?” Decide to ever follow the admonition of King Benjamin: “If

you believe all these things see that ye do them” (Mosiah 4:10).

In this life, where we have opportunities to strive and to achieve, I bear witness that on occasion we

need to make a second effort—and a third effort, and a fourth effort, and as many degrees of effort as

may be required to accomplish what we strive to achieve.

Should you become discouraged, remember that others have passed this same way; they have endured

and then have achieved. When we have done all that we are able to do, we can then rely on God’s

promised help.

You have access to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no mariner so

lost, no gale so strong as to render useless the lighthouse of the Lord. It beckons through the storms of

life. It seems to call to you and me: “This way to safety; this way to home.”

If you want to see the light of heaven, if you want to feel the inspiration of Almighty God, if you want to

have that feeling within your bosom that your Heavenly Father is guiding you to the left or guiding you

to the right, instructions from this passage of scripture will help you: “Stand ye in holy places, and be not

moved” (D&C 87:8), and then the Spirit of our Heavenly Father will be yours.

From a Church Educational System satellite broadcast address given on September 7, 2003, in Salt Lake

City, Utah.

Game:

Our prophets help us prepare to go to the temple by teaching us how to live righteous lives. Each

prophet has shared his knowledge of what Heavenly Father wants us to do. If we follow their counsel,

we will be worthy to someday enter the holy temple. Here are some of the things that they have told

us:

Joseph Smith: We must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.

Brigham Young: Truth is obeyed when it is loved.

John Taylor: The gospel whispers peace.

Wilford Woodruff: We need to be guided by the Spirit of God.

Lorenzo Snow: The time has now come for every Latter-day Saint … to do the will of the Lord and to pay

his tithing in full.

Joseph F. Smith: I feel in my heart to forgive all men.

Heber J. Grant: I assert with confidence that the law of success, here and hereafter, is to have a humble

and a prayerful heart, and to work, work, WORK.

George Albert Smith: All the people of the earth are our Father’s children.

David O. McKay: Every member a missionary!

Joseph Fielding Smith: The Church … is a world church; the gospel is for all men.

Harold B. Lee: Keep the commandments.

Spencer W. Kimball: Lengthen your stride.

Ezra Taft Benson: Read and study the Book of Mormon.

Here is a game for two or more players to help you remember the order of the prophets of the Church

and what they said. Think about how you can use each of these gospel truths in your own life to help

you prepare to enter the temple when you are older.

Friend, Aug 1993, 36

This game ends with Ezra Taft Benson so take a minute before starting

the game and write in 14 Howard W. Hunter, 15 Gordon B. Hinckley and

16 Thomas S. Monson in some of the blank squares.

1 2 3 4 5 6 Instructions

1. Use a die, or cut out the numbers above and put them into a sack. Use different-color buttons or

other tiny objects as markers.

2. When it is your turn, roll the die or draw a number and go forward or backward that many spaces.

3. You must land on each prophet’s space in the order in which he served as President of the Church.

Then go only forward until you reach the temple.

4. Optional: Divide the players into two or more teams and see which team can get all its members to

the temple first.

SECRET FUDGE RECIPE

4 C. sugar

1 1/3 C. canned milk

20 large marshmallows

2 tsp. vanilla

1 C. margarine

1 12-oz. pkg. of semi-sweet chocolate chips

In a large saucepan, cook sugar, milk, and marshmallows on medium-high heat, stirring constantly.

When mixture comes to a rolling boil, set timer for 10 minutes (12 for high altitude) and continue to stir

constantly. If the mixture starts to burn, slightly reduce the heat. After cooking, remove from heat and

add vanilla. Place margarine and chocolate chips in a large mixing bowl. Pour the hot marshmallow

mixture over the margarine and chocolate chips, and beat for 5 minutes. Spread into a lightly greased 9

x 1 3-inch pan. Let cool.

Makes 35-40 pieces of fudge.

Variations: You can use milk chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet

chocolate chips. Mini marshmallows, nuts, or coconut may be added to the mixture right before

spreading it in the pan.

Family Home Evening Lesson Based on Prophets testify of Jesus Christ

March Week 2 of the 2010 Outline for Sharing Time

Opening Song: “Prophets Ten and Now,” Penelope Moody Allen and Kenneth

Jones, “Prophets Then and Now,” Friend, Oct 1998, 38 http://tinyurl.com/yhwvbxc Purpose: To have a FHE lesson that compliments the 2010 Primary Theme and

teaches the testimonies of the modern day prophets. (see 2010 Outline for

Sharing Time, p. 6) Preparation: � Put a picture of the Savior in the center of your wall or FHE board. � Cut apart the testimonies of the modern day prophets and tape them to the back of each prophet’s picture. Using GAK pictures #506-520. (President Monson is available in the “New Gospel Art Book, as well as all the modern day prophets.) Lesson: � Distribute pictures to family members. � Have each family member read the testimony of the prophet and then put the prophet’s picture along the outside of the picture of the Savior. You will be framing the picture of the Savior with the pictures of the prophets. Encourage family members to see that all prophets are to testify of Jesus Christ. Testimony: Share your testimony of the Savior.

Closing Song: “A Prophet Lives Today,” Clive Romney, Friend, Oct 2003, 24– 25 Closing Prayer: Treat: Orange Julius

1/3 cup orange concentrate 5-6 ice cubes ½ cup milk 1 tsp vanilla

¼ cup sugar ½ cup water Combine all ingredients in blender. Mix until smooth. Serve immediately

Testimonies of the Modern Prophets. President Thomas S. Monson http://tinyurl.com/yzohkpv (Thomas S.

Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign, May 2008, 87–90) (The final three paragraphs of his talk.)

With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift my voice in testimony today as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only

Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with

the Father. He loves us with a love we cannot fully comprehend, and because He loves us, He gave His life for us. My gratitude to Him is beyond expression.

I invoke His blessings upon you, my beloved brothers and sisters, in your homes,

in your work, in your service to one another and to the Lord Himself. Together

we shall move forward doing His work. I pledge my life, my strength—all that I have to offer—in serving Him and in directing the affairs of His Church in accordance with His will and by His inspiration, and I do so in His holy name—even the Lord Jesus Christ—amen. http://tinyurl.com/yfltq57 “He Lives! The Witness of Latter-day Prophets,” Ensign, Mar 2008, 8–11 “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!” (D&C 76:22). “He lives!” So testified the Prophet Joseph Smith of the Savior Jesus Christ. With such certitude, all subsequent Presidents of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints—sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators—have testified of the Savior’s reality, divinity, Atonement, and Resurrection. President Gordon B. Hinckley “I know that I am not the head of this Church. The Lord Jesus Christ is its head. My mission, my chief responsibility, my greatest honor comes in bearing solemn testimony of His living reality. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who condescended to come into this world of misery, struggle, and pain, to touch men’s hearts for good, to teach the way of eternal life, and to give Himself as a sacrifice for the

sins of all mankind. He is ‘King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and He shall reign

forever and ever’ (Handel’s Messiah). … I bear solemn witness that He lives and

stands on the right hand of His Father.”1 President Howard W. Hunter (1907–95) “I am grateful … for my affiliation with a people who have a firm conviction that

God lives, that Jesus is the Christ; and I bear witness to you that the story of the babe born in the manger at Bethlehem is not a myth of the past, but that Jesus, the Son of God was born of Mary into mortality; that he lived among men; that

he died upon the cross and was resurrected; that he actually and truly lives

today; and that he is a personal being and is the Savior of the world.”2

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) “The question is sometimes asked, ‘Are Mormons Christians?’ We declare the

divinity of Jesus Christ. We look to Him as the only source of our salvation. We strive to live His teachings, and we look forward to the time that He shall come again on this earth to rule and reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. In the

words of a Book of Mormon prophet, we say to men today, ‘There [is] no other

name given nor any other way nor means whereby salvation can come unto the children of men, only in and through the name of Christ, the Lord Omnipotent’

(Mosiah 3:17).”3

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) “We place [Jesus Christ] on a pedestal as no other group I know of. To us he is not only the Son of God, he is also a God and we are subject to him. … “No matter how much we say of him, it is still too little. “He is not only the Carpenter, the Nazarene, the Galilean, but Jesus Christ, the God of this earth, the Son of God, but most importantly, our Savior, our Redeemer. … “I add my own testimony. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and that he was crucified for the sins of the world. “He is my friend, my Savior, my Lord, my God.”4 President Harold B. Lee (1899–1973) “After a long night of searching and days of spiritual preparation that followed, I came to know as a witness more powerful than sight, until I could testify with a surety that defied all doubt, that I knew with every fiber of my soul that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, that He lived, He died, He was resurrected, and today He presides in the heavens, directing the affairs of this church, which bears His name because it preaches His doctrine. I bear that testimony humbly and leave you my witness.”5 President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) “Salvation is in Christ. It comes because of the infinite and eternal atonement which he wrought by the shedding of his blood. He is the Son of God, and he

came into the world to ransom men from the temporal and spiritual death that came because of what we call the fall. “Through his goodness and grace all men will come forth from the grave, to be judged according to the deeds done in the flesh. …

“I know that he lives, that he rules in the heavens above and in the earth beneath, and that his purposes shall prevail. He is our Lord and our God. As he himself said to Joseph Smith: ‘The Lord is God, and beside him there is no Savior’ (D&C 76:1).”6

President David O. McKay (1873–1970) “ ‘How can we know the way?’ asked Thomas, as he sat with his fellow apostles and their Lord at the table after the supper on the memorable night of betrayal;

and Christ’s divine answer was: ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. …’ (John

14:5–6.) And so he is! He is the source of our comfort, the inspiration of our life,

the author of our salvation. If we want to know our relationship to God, we go to Jesus Christ. If we would know the truth of the immortality of the soul, we have

it exemplified in the Savior’s resurrection. … “… He is the one Perfect Being who ever walked the earth; the sublimest

example of nobility; Godlike in nature; perfect in his love; our Redeemer; our Savior; the immaculate Son of our Eternal Father; the Light, the Life, the Way.”7

President George Albert Smith (1870–1951) “The Savior died that we might live. He overcame death and the grave and holds out to all who obey His teachings the hope of a glorious resurrection.”8

“I have found many in the world who have not known that we believe in the

divine mission of our Lord, and I have been led to say upon more than one occasion that there are no people in the world who so well understand the divine mission of Jesus Christ, who so thoroughly believe him to have been the Son of God, who are so sanguine [confident] that at the present time he is enthroned in glory at the right hand of his Father, as the Latter-day Saints.”9 President Heber J. Grant (1856–1945) “To members of the Church throughout the world, and to peace-lovers everywhere, we say, behold in this Man of Galilee not merely a great Teacher, not merely a peerless Leader, but the Prince of Peace, the Author of Salvation, here and now, literally and truly the Savior of the World! “… Jesus is the Redeemer of the world, the Savior of mankind, who came to the earth with a divinely appointed mission to die for the redemption of mankind. Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God, the Only Begotten in the flesh. He is our Redeemer, and we worship him.”10 President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918) “The Holy Spirit of God has spoken to me—not through the ear, not through the eye, but to my spirit, to my living and eternal part,—and has revealed unto me

that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. I testify to you that I know that my Redeemer lives. Furthermore, I know that I shall see Him on this earth, and that I shall see Him as He is. … The Lord has revealed this to me. He has

filled my whole spirit with this testimony, until there is no room for doubt.”11 President Lorenzo Snow (1814–1901) “That Being who dwelt in Heaven, who reigned there before the world was, who

created the earth, and who, in the meridian of time, came down to perfect and

save that which He had created, has appeared to men in this age.”12 “We testify to the whole world that we know, by divine revelation, even through

the manifestations of the Holy Ghost, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that he revealed himself to Joseph Smith as personally as he did to his apostles anciently, after he arose from the tomb, and that he made known

unto him [the] heavenly truths by which alone mankind can be saved.”13

President Wilford Woodruff (1807–98) “The object of Christ’s mission to the earth was to offer himself as a sacrifice to redeem mankind from eternal death. … He acted strictly in obedience to his

Father’s will in all things from the beginning, and drank of the bitter cup given

him. Herein is brought to light, glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life, with that charity which is greater than faith or hope, for the Lamb of God has hereby

performed that for man which [man] could not accomplish for himself. …

“There is no being that has power to save the souls of men and give them eternal life, except the Lord Jesus Christ, under the command of His Father.”14

President John Taylor (1808–87) “Anointed, indeed, with the oil of gladness above His fellows, He struggled with and overcame the powers of men and devils, of earth and hell combined; and aided by this superior power of the Godhead, He vanquished death, hell and the grave, and arose triumphant as the Son of God, the very eternal Father, the Messiah, the Prince of peace, the Redeemer, the Savior of the world; having finished and completed the work pertaining to the atonement, which His Father had given Him to do as the Son of God and the Son of man.”15 President Brigham Young (1801–77) “I testify that Jesus is the Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world; I have obeyed his sayings, and realized his promise, and the knowledge I have of him, the wisdom of this world cannot give, neither can it take away. … “Our Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior, who has redeemed the world and all things pertaining to it, is the Only Begotten of the Father pertaining to the flesh. … He has tasted death for every man, and has paid the debt contracted by our first parents.”16 The Prophet Joseph Smith (1805–44) “And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us— “That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to

bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all

unrighteousness; “That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power

and made by him” (D&C 76:40–42).

“GOD SPEAKS THROUGH PROPHETS”

Scripture: Luke 1:70 “As He spake by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have

been since the world began.”

Song: “Follow the Prophet”

Attention getter: Have a child present a message to the family. (following message or one that

pertains to your family.)

“Throughout the ages, Father in Heaven has chosen certain men to speak for Him. These men

are called prophets. The teach us what Heavenly Father wants us to know. They warn us

about what will happen if we disobey. They also tell us about the wonderful blessing that will

come when we do obey. Will we listen?”

Thank the messenger. Explain that that this message was sent by mom & dad to the whole

family. Have you ever been a messenger before for someone? It is important that when we

are asked to speak for someone else that we never leave anything out and give the message

correctly.

Who does Heavenly Father ask to give us His messages? (Prophet)

Some messages warn us, some teach us, others witness of Jesus Christ.

Who is our prophet today? (show a picture)

Whom does he speak for? (show a picture of Christ)

Prophet Activity

Conclusion:

We have a living prophet on the face of the earth again, even President Thomas S. Monson. He knows our challenges and fears. He has inspired answers. There is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can each be an influence for good in this world by following the commandments of God and relying on

true repentance, the power of the Atonement, and the miracle of forgiveness. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Heeding the Voice of the Phorphets.” Ensign Jul 2008

Treat: Lemon Truffle Pie

Activity: (you will need to gather as many pictures of Prophets as you can)

What has the Prophet told us?

Isaiah – Seek peace

Paul – Obey Parents

Malachi – Pay Tithing

James – Ask God

Alma the Younger – Keep the commandments

John – Love one another

Alma – Forgive one another

George Albert Smith – Donate work, food & clothing to help feed & clothe others

Ezra Taft Benson – Beware of pride

Gordon B Hinkley – Marriage, family central to God’s plan, temples over world

Joseph F Smith – Family Home Evening

Joseph Smith – Book of Mormon

John Taylor – Love all people, everywhere

Wilford Woodruff – Youth, learn the gospel early in life.

Lorenzo Snow – Tithing

Brigham Young – Walk with God

Spencer W Kimball – Priesthood and Temple blessings to all worthy male members of Church.

Lemon Truffle Pie

Prep Time: 25

Cook Time: 10

Ingredients:

• 1 (9-inch) pie crust, baked and cooled • 1-3/4 cups purchased lemon curd • 1-1/2 cups white chocolate chips • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened Preparation:

In small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup of the lemon curd with the white chocolate

chips. Microwave on 30% power for 2 minutes, remove and stir. Continue microwaving on 30

second intervals, stirring after each interval, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Do

not overheat or the chips will stiffen.

In medium bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy and soft. Gradually beat in white chocolate chip

mixture until fluffy and smooth. Spread in bottom of cooled pie crust.

Spoon and spread remaining lemon curd over the cream cheese filling. Cover and chill for at

least 4 hours until set. Serves 8

From: http://busycooks.about.com/od/sweetpierecipes/r/updatelemontruf.htm

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ Appeared to Joseph Smith

Purpose: Help your family understand the events and lessons learned in the Joseph Smith’s First Vision.

Materials: Prior to Family Home Evening prepare the First Vision Panorama found here

http://www.lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Friend/2001/Jan2001Friend.pdf January 2001 on

pages 32 and 33.

Song Suggestion: The Sacred Grove (CS 87) or On a Golden Springtime (CS 88)

Lesson: Read account of Joseph Smith’s First Vision found in the Joseph Smith History 1:5-20 or retell in

your own words depending on the age of your children. Panorama is used for verses 14-17

5 Some time in the second year after our removal to Manchester, there was in the place where we lived

an unusual excitement on the subject of religion. It commenced with the Methodists, but soon became

general among all the sects in that region of country. Indeed, the whole district of country seemed

affected by it, and great multitudes united themselves to the different religious parties, which created

no small stir and division amongst the people, some crying, “Lo, here!” and others, “Lo, there!” Some

were contending for the Methodist faith, some for the Presbyterian, and some for the Baptist.

6 For, notwithstanding the great love which the converts to these different faiths expressed at the time

of their conversion, and the great zeal manifested by the respective clergy, who were active in getting

up and promoting this extraordinary scene of religious feeling, in order to have everybody converted, as

they were pleased to call it, let them join what sect they pleased; yet when the converts began to file

off, some to one party and some to another, it was seen that the seemingly good feelings of both the

priests and the converts were more pretended than real; for a scene of great confusion and bad feeling

ensued—priest contending against priest, and convert against convert; so that all their good feelings

one for another, if they ever had any, were entirely lost in a strife of words and a contest about

opinions.

7 I was at this time in my fifteenth year. My father’s family was proselyted to the Presbyterian faith,

and four of them joined that church, namely, my mother, Lucy; my brothers Hyrum and Samuel

Harrison; and my sister Sophronia.

8 During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great

uneasiness; but though my feelings were deep and often poignant, still I kept myself aloof from all these

parties, though I attended their several meetings as often as occasion would permit. In process of time

my mind became somewhat partial to the Methodist sect, and I felt some desire to be united with them;

but so great were the confusion and strife among the different denominations, that it was impossible for

a person young as I was, and so unacquainted with men and things, to come to any certain conclusion

who was right and who was wrong.

9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The

Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both

reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On

the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to

establish their own tenets and disprove all others.

10 In the midst of this war of words and tumult of opinions, I often said to myself: What is to be done?

Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is

it, and how shall I know it?

11 While I was laboring under the extreme difficulties caused by the contests of these parties of

religionists, I was one day reading the Epistle of James, first chapter and fifth verse, which reads: If any

of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be

given him.

12 Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this

time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again

and again, knowing that if any person needed wisdom from God, I did; for how to act I did not know,

and unless I could get more wisdom than I then had, I would never know; for the teachers of religion of

the different sects understood the same passages of scripture so differently as to destroy all confidence

in settling the question by an appeal to the Bible.

13 At length I came to the conclusion that I must either remain in darkness and confusion, or else I

must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. I at length came to the determination to “ask of God,”

concluding that if he gave wisdom to them that lacked wisdom, and would give liberally, and not

upbraid, I might venture.

14 So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the

attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and

twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I

had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.

15 After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me,

and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had

scarcely done so, when immediately I was seized upon by some power which entirely overcame me,

and had such an astonishing influence over me as to bind my tongue so that I could not speak. Thick

darkness gathered around me, and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden

destruction.

16 But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which

had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon

myself to destruction—not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the

unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being—just at this

moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun,

which descended gradually until it fell upon me.

17 It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. When

the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description,

standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to

the other—This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!

18 My object in going to inquire of the Lord was to know which of all the sects was right, that I might

know which to join. No sooner, therefore, did I get possession of myself, so as to be able to speak, than I

asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it

had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

19 I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who

addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all

corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for

doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof.”

20 He again forbade me to join with any of them; and many other things did he say unto me, which I

cannot write at this time. When I came to myself again, I found myself lying on my back, looking up into

heaven. When the light had departed, I had no strength; but soon recovering in some degree, I went

home. And as I leaned up to the fireplace, mother inquired what the matter was. I replied, “Never mind,

all is well—I am well enough off.” I then said to my mother, “I have learned for myself that

Presbyterianism is not true.” It seems as though the adversary was aware, at a very early period of my

life, that I was destined to prove a disturber and an annoyer of his kingdom; else why should the powers

of darkness combine against me? Why the opposition and persecution that arose against me, almost in

my infancy?

Possible questions:

1. Why did Joseph go to a grove of trees to pray?

2. Who appeared to Joseph?

3. What are some things we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus from this event?

4. What did Jesus tell Joseph?

5. How old was Joseph when he prayed in the grove?

Activity:

1. Have a child retell this account in his own words using the panorama as a visual.

2. Make Joseph’s house out of pretzels or graham crackers and icing.

3. Watch the DVD “The Restoration.”

4. Learn a song about Joseph Smith (On a Golden Springtime, The Golden Plates, The Sacred Grove,

The Preisthood is Restored, Joseph Smith’s First Prayer)

Refreshment: Make Rice Krispy treats in the shape of trees using a Christmas tree cookie cutter to

represent the Sacred Grove.

THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRANSLATED BY THE POWER OF GOD

PREPARATION: Make a set of the gold plates that explains what is contained in the Book of Mormon.

Arrange for someone to act as Oliver Cowdery. Print a copy of the Attention Getter page and enough

copies of the translation page for each member of the family. Get a copy of GAK #406 Joseph Smith

Receives the Gold Plates; # 325 The Gold Plates and #416 Translating the Book of Mormon. Have a Book

of Mormon.

OPENING SONG: An Angel Came to Joseph Smith, CS p. 86a

ATTENTION GETTER: Have the family try to decipher each phrase. Explain translation. Imagine if you

were given a book that was written in a language you could not understand and had to translate it, what

would you do? Show GAK 406 and briefly tell the story on the back of the picture. Explain that when

Joseph Smith received the Golden Plates they were written in a language Joseph couldn’t understand.

Heavenly Father provided a special tool that helped him translate the plates. It was called the Urim and

Thummim. Show GAK 325. After the Prophet Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the angel

Moroni, he studied the strange language written on them. With Heavenly Father's help, Joseph

translated the writing on the gold plates into words he could understand. [Do the translation activity.]

Joseph had helpers or scribes that would write the words as Joseph said them. One of his helpers was

Oliver Cowdery.

Have father, or other priesthood holder to portray Oliver Cowdery. Provide a simple costume such as a

black ribbon to be used as a tie. Have him tell the story of the translation of the Book of Mormon by

using the material printed on the back of GAK 416 (Translating the Book of Mormon). Have him refer to

a notebook or letter to read the closing paragraph that begins, “These were days never to be forgotten.”

Have him show the children where they can find Oliver Cowdery’s words in the footnote to Joseph

Smith—History 1:71 in the Pearl of Great Price. Ask him to remove the ribbon tie and bear his own

testimony of the Book of Mormon. Invite the children to turn the page and use their scriptures to sing

“The Eighth Article of Faith” (p. 127). The phrase “as far as it is translated correctly” applies to the Bible

but not to the Book of Mormon because the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God

through Joseph Smith.

Show the small paper “golden plates” and describe what was contained in the golden plates and show

the children the corresponding parts in the Book of Mormon.

Play a Review game using the Dot to Dot.

1. What was the name of the Angel that gave Joseph the plates?

2. What is the word that means change from one language to another?

3. Name one of Joseph’s scribes.

4. Which Article of Faith has the phrase “We Believe the Bible to be the Word of God, as far as it is

translated correctly?

5. Why doesn’t that Article of Faith say the same thing about the Book of Mormon?

6. What was the name of the tool that helped Joseph to translate?

7. How many years did Joseph go back to the Hill Cumorah before he received the plates?

8. The golden plates were in something in the hill, what were they in?

9. Could Joseph translate the plates without any help?

10. Whose help did Joseph need?

11. What was contained in the Large Plates of Nephi?

12. What was contained in the Plates of Ether?

13. What was contained in the plates of Mormon?

Closing Song: The Golden Plates, CS p. 86b

Closing Prayer:

Treat: Peanut Crescent Rolls

Ingredients

• CRESCENT ROLLS

• 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts

• 1/4 cup sugar

• 2 tbsp. flour

• 2 tbsp. melted butter

• 1 tbsp. grated orange peel

• One 9-1/2 oz. package refrigerated crescent rolls

• FROSTING

• 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

• 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar

• 2 tbsp. honey

• 2 tbsp. milk

• GARNISH

• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts

Instructions

1. Combine 1/2 cup peanuts, sugar, flour, butter and orange peel in a bowl and set aside. Press seams of crescent rolls

together and roll to form a 14 x 7 inch rectangle. Sprinkle rectangle with reserved peanut mixture.

2. Roll rectangle from long side as if to form a jelly roll. Place roll in a semi-circle on a lightly buttered baking sheet and

make cuts 1 inch apart and about 2/3 way through. Bake 20 to 25 minutes at 375 degrees. Remove from oven and

cool slightly.

3. To make frosting, blend peanut butter, confectioners' sugar, honey and milk until smooth. Frost peanut crescent rolls

with honey peanut frosting and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped peanuts. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

REVIEW GAME: Each time someone answers a question correctly you get to add the next line on the

dot-to-dot.

ATTENTION GETTER: Can you tell what each of these phrases say?

1.

2. HET BOEK VAN MORMON

3. MORMON BINAALTSOOS

4.

5. DAS BUCH MORMON

6.

7. TE BUKA A MOROMONA

8. EL LIBRO DE MORMÓN

9.

10. LE LIVRE DE MORMON

11.

ANSWER: THE BOOK OF MORMON (in the following languages)

1. Russian 2. Dutch 3. Navajo 4. Japanese 5. German 6. Korean 7. Tahitian 8. Spanish 9. Chinese 10. French 11. Thai

The section of Isaiah chapters and the Allegory of the Olive tree are some of the writings of the

Brass Plates that are included in the Book of Mormon.

The Apostasy and the Restoration

PREPARATION: You will need 35 building blocks or small plastic cups with the words/pictures below. (Note: if you are using cups have the top (open end) facing down except for #34 which should be opposite).

First row: 12 blocks. Front of block names of 1Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon, Judas, Judas Iscariot. On the back put the pictures of the current 12 Apostles

Simon Peter James

Bartholomew Matthew

SimonJudas

Iscariot

The Apostasy and the Restoration

You will need 35 building blocks or small plastic cups with the words/pictures below. (Note: if you are using cups have the top (open end) facing down except for #34 which should be opposite).

First row: 12 blocks. Front of block names of 12 apostles in the primitive church: Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon, Judas, Judas Iscariot. On the back put the pictures of the current 12

James John Andrew

Matthew ThomasJames son of

Alphaeus

Judas

Iscariot

You will need 35 building blocks or small plastic cups with the words/pictures below. (Note: if you are using cups have the top (open end) facing

2 apostles in the primitive church: Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon, Judas, Judas Iscariot. On the back put the pictures of the current 12

Andrew Philip

James son of

AlphaeusJudas

Second Layer: 6 blocks – Principles and Ordinances found in the true church

Third layer: 5 blocks Principles found in the true church

Fourth Layer: 4 blocks Principles found in the true church:

Baptism by

immersion

Gift of the Holy

Ghost

Faith in Jesus

Christ

Priesthood

Authority

Principles and Ordinances found in the true church-

Third layer: 5 blocks Principles found in the true church

Fourth Layer: 4 blocks Principles found in the true church:

Gift of the Holy Sacrament

Ordinances for

the Dead

Obedience to

commandments

Priesthood

AuthorityRepentance

Plan of

Salvation

Obedience to

God's

commandments

Gifts of the

Spirit

Plan of

SalvationThe

Atonement

: Fifth Layer: 3 Blocks

Sixth Layer: 2 blocks

Seventh Layer: 1 Block Continuous Revelation on one side

Living Prophet

Thomas S. Monson

Our bodies are

temples of our

spirit

Belief in a

Personal God

Commanded

to Pray

Members

called Saints

Believed all

Resurrected

Men Called

of God

Continuous

Revelation

Seventh Layer: 1 Block Continuous Revelation on one side – Picture of Prophet on the opposite

Belief in a

Personal God

Pastors

(Bishop)

Evangelists

(Patriarchs)

Members

called Saints

Remember

the Sabbath

Day

Men Called

of God

Picture of Prophet on the opposite

Evangelists

(Patriarchs)

Seventies

(Missionaries)

Eighth Row: 1 Block

Jesus Christ

OPENING SONG: The Sixth Article of Faith, CS p. 126a

OPENING PRAYER:

SCRIPTURE: Article of Faith #6 We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church,

namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.

LESSON: When Christ was on the earth he organized his church. He called 12 apostles and prepared

them to teach the doctrine after he left. He organized the church so that all people could learn and

grow so they could return to live with Heavenly Father again someday. [Place first 12 blocks with the

names of Christ’s apostles showing.]

In order to set up this church there were certain characteristics and teachings that must be set forth

[begin laying the other blocks on top of the first 12] (if you have older children you could have them

look up corresponding scripture, if not briefly explain each principle or ordinance.

13. Baptism by immersion – Mark 1:9-10

14. Gift of the Holy Ghost by laying on of Hands – John 3:5

15. The Sacrament – Luke 22:19-20

16. Ordinances for the Dead – 1 Corinthians 15:29

17. Obedience to God’s Commandments – John 14:15

18. Gifts of the Spirit – 1 Corinthians 12:1, 8-10

19. Faith in Jesus Christ – 2 Corinthians 3:26

20. Priesthood Authority – Numbers 27:23

21. Repentance – Matthew 3:8

22. Plan of Salvation – Titus 1:2

23. Belief in the Atonement – Matthew 8:17

24. Our bodies are temples of our Spirit – 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

25. Belief in a Personal God – John 14:21

26. Pastors – Ephesians 4:11

27. Evangelists - Ephesians 4:11

28. Seventies (Missionaries) – Numbers 11:16-17; Acts 10:42

29. Commanded to Pray – Matthew 26:41

30. Members Called Saints – 1 Corinthians 1:2

31. Remember the Sabbath Day – Exodus 20:8

32. Resurrection – Acts 24:15

33. Men Called of God – Hebrews 5:4

After Christ built his church he gave his apostles the authority of carrying on the responsibilities of

leading and directing the members. But he didn’t leave them alone; he gave them continuous

revelation [Place the continuous revelation cup on the top of cup #33 with the bottoms together, and

then the Jesus cup on top of the continuous revelation cup with the two open ends of the cups

together.]

34. Continuing Revelation – Galatians 1:12

Jesus continued to lead the church through revelation but one by one all the apostles were killed and

the authority was taken with them, [take out the cups from the bottom if you would like you can read

the way each apostle died].

1. Simon Peter - crucified upside down in Rome 56 AD.

2. James – dashed with a fullers club 60 AD

3. John banished to Patmos

4. Andrew – burned alive in Patrae 74 AD

5. Philip – imprisoned stoned and crucified in Phygria 52 AD

6. Bartholomew – crucified and beheaded in Albinopolis 52 AD

7. Matthew – run through with a lance in Ethiopia 60 AD

8. Thomas – run through with a lance in India 52 AD

9. James – beheaded in Rome 36 AD

10. Judas – Died in Edessa

11. Simon – crucified in Britain 74 AD

12. Judas Iscariot – hung himself in Jerusalem 34 AD

As the blocks/cups fall down, explain that the members of the church till tried to hold onto what they

had been taught, but without direct revelation and lack of scriptures great truths were lost. Churches

began to be organized based on what they could remember and what “made sense’ to them (begin

stacking up a few blocks to form little churches. Example: “Some people remembered that there were

gifts of the spirit, the Sacrament and repentance and decided to call their church “The Church of the

Spirit”)

Soon there were many churches that had part of the truth but none of them had the full truth or

revelation to them from Jesus Christ. The falling away of the church is called the Apostasy. Read:

2 Thessalonians 2: 3. It was prophesied that there would be a falling away of the church and then it

would be built again before Christ’s return.

The restoration of the full truth came when Joseph Smith was called to be a prophet in our day. We was

called to bring about the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. He was taught truth and was told by

Christ that he was to join none of the churches. They would teach some truth but did not have direction

of our Savior.

Joseph first received the Aaronic priesthood. Later Joseph received the Melchezidek priesthood. Gospel

ordinances of baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost were once again on the earth. The church was

restored to its original foundation and continues to have the same organization as was introduced by

Christ when he was on the earth. Today we have 12 apostles, [set up blocks/cups 1-12 with the latter-

day apostles showing] and we have the same teachings that existed in Christ’s church. [Set up

blocks/cups 13-33] We also have a living prophet and his two counselors who give us continued

revelation [show block 34 with continuing revelation but place it with the prophet’s picture facing out.

Then place the Savior’s block/cup on top].

The church is organized to fit everyone’s need and to give guidance and counsel to the members from

the President of the Church down to the youngest or newest member of the church.

Closing Song: I Belong To The Church of Jesus Christ; CS, p. 77

Closing Prayer:

Treat: Dessert Nachos This Mexican-style treat swaps the heat of jalapenos for the sweetness of fresh strawberries. Set

out the ingredients buffet style for kids to serve up their own after-dinner treat.

Ingredients

• 3 6-inch flour tortillas

• Cooking spray

• 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, cleaned and hulled

• 1 tablespoon orange juice

• 8 ounces vanilla yogurt

• 1 cup chopped strawberries

• 1/2 cup shredded coconut or white chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. To make the tortilla chips, heat the oven to 350º. Cut the tortillas into triangles, lay them on a baking sheet, and spritz

them with cooking spray.

2. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of sugar over the tops of the tortillas and bake for 12 minutes or until crisp.

3. For homemade strawberry sauce, combine the strawberries, orange juice, and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon sugar in

a blender. Puree the ingredients until smooth.

4. Once the chips have cooled, set them on a plate. To complete the buffet, set out separate bowls containing the

strawberry sauce, yogurt, chopped strawberries, and coconut or chocolate shavings. Serves 4 to 6.

The Restoration

PREPARATION: Copy the Restoration church onto card stock, you may want one for each person or you

can make one as a family. Get the following GAK pictures: 401 Joseph Smith; 402 Joseph Smith Seeks

Wisdom from the Bible; 403 The First Vision; 404 Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith; 406 Joseph Receives

the Gold Plates; 407 John the Baptist conferring the Aaronic Priesthood; 408 Melchizedek Restoration;

416 Translating the Book of Mormon; 417 Elijah restores the Power to Seal families; 500 Kirtland

Temple. Make a time line of the life of Joseph Smith with the following dates (leave enough room for a

picture to be placed at each date): 1805, 1820, 1823, 1827, 1827-1829, 1829, 1829, 1830, 1833-1836,

1836, 1844. Make a copy of a picture of an event in Joseph Smith’s life. Trace an outline of the picture

onto a piece of heavy paper or lightweight cardboard, then cut the picture into 10 jigsaw puzzle pieces.

Trace the outline of each piece in its correct position on the outline of the puzzle. Write one question

about the restoration of the gospel on the back of each puzzle piece.

QUESTIONS:

1. When was the Church organized? (April 6, 1830)

2. Who was the first President of the Church? (Joseph Smith)

3. What is a prophet? (One called to speak for Heavenly Father)

4. Who appeared to Joseph Smith when he prayed in the Sacred Grove? (Heavenly Father and Jesus

Christ)

5. What was Joseph Smith told during the First Vision? (To join none of the churches)

6. What was the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph Smith about three years after the First

Vision?” (Moroni)

7. Who was Moroni? (The last prophet in the Book of Mormon)

8. Why did Moroni visit Joseph Smith? (To teach him and prepare him to receive the gold plates)

9. Who appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Aaronic Priesthood? (John the

Baptist)

10. Who appeared to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery to restore the Melchizedek Priesthood? (Peter,

James and John).

OPENING SONG: The Sacred Grove, CS p. 87

OPENING PRAYER:

SCRIPTURE: And I have sent forth the fulness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph (D&C 35:17).

LESSON: Have you ever really wondered about what to do in a certain situation? Or really wanted to know the answer to a question? Perhaps you asked your parents or your friends or your teachers about it but were still not sure what you should do. When Joseph Smith was fourteen years old, he had a question. He was living on his family’s farm in Palmyra, New York. In the town where they lived, there was a great deal of excitement about religion. There were many preachers from many different churches.

Each said that he had the truth and tried to convince people to join his church. Joseph wondered which of the churches he should join. He asked himself, “What is to be done? Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it?” (JS—H 1:10).

One day Joseph read in the Bible, “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Joseph decided to do what the scripture said. He decided to ask Heavenly Father which church was right so that he would know which one he should join.

Joseph had never prayed out loud before. He decided to go to a grove of trees near his home to ask Heavenly Father his question. On a beautiful spring morning, he walked into the grove, looked around to be sure that he was alone, and knelt in prayer. As he began his prayer, a terrible feeling of darkness surrounded him. It was so strong that he thought it was going to destroy him! He prayed with all his heart to Heavenly Father for help. At that moment, a pillar of light appeared over his head and came down and rested on him. The darkness left him, and he saw two Heavenly Beings standing above him in the air. One spoke to him, saying, “This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (JS—H 1:17.)

The two Heavenly Beings were Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior told Joseph that he should not join any of the churches because they were all wrong. Joseph had the answer to his question. Later, he received visits from other heavenly messengers and learned what Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ wanted him to do to help restore the gospel to the earth. He followed Their directions.

Joseph Smith organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became the first prophet and President of the Church. He translated the Book of Mormon, built the first latter-day temple, and received most of the revelations found in the Doctrine and Covenants. We are grateful to him for helping to restore the gospel to the earth. And we should be thankful for the example of faith and courage he set for all of us. What a blessing it is that Joseph Smith prayed to Heavenly Father when he needed an answer. We, too, can go to Heavenly Father in prayer and receive answers to important questions in our lives. Through prayer we can also receive a testimony from Heavenly Father that Joseph Smith was a prophet.

- -Diane Nichols, “Sharing Time: Joseph Smith—Prophet of the Restoration,” Friend, Jul 2001, 14

Hang the time line on a wall in the room. Put the first and last pictures up and tell a little bit about the

birth and death of the Prophet (see JS—H 1:3–4 and D&C 135:1). Conceal the rest of the pictures in a

box or bag. Have a child take a picture, tell about the event (briefly tell the story on the back of the

picture), and place the picture above the correct date on the time line. For some of the events you may

wish to lead the family in a song related to the picture.

His birth / 1805, reading James 1:5 / 1820 (402), the First Vision / 1820 (403), Moroni’s first appearance

/ 1823 (404), Joseph receiving the gold plates / 1827 (406), translating the Book of Mormon / 1827–

1829 (416), the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood / 1829 (407), the restoration of the Melchizedek

Priesthood / 1829 (408),

The Lord revealed to Joseph Smith that 6 April 1830 was the day on which the Church of Jesus Christ in this dispensation was to be organized (see D&C 20:1). Notices were sent to believers and friends, and some 56 men and women gathered at the log home of Peter Whitmer Sr. in Fayette, New York. Six men were chosen by the Prophet to assist in the organization “agreeable to the laws of our country, by the will and commandments of God” (D&C 20:1).

The events that transpired on 6 April 1830 in western New York have changed the lives of millions of people. From a handful of converts in a small log house, the gospel has spread throughout the world. Now the Church is established in many lands, often in circumstances as humble as those that surrounded the original organization at Fayette. Saints across the world rejoice and find solace in the promise of the Savior: “Where two or three are gathered together in my name, … behold, there will I be in the midst of them” (D&C 6:32). Our Heritage, chapter 2.

building the Kirtland Temple / 1833–1836 (500), Elijah restoring the sealing power / 1836 (417), Joseph

Smith’s martyrdom / 1844 (401).

ACTIVITY: Put together the Restoration Church.

CLOSING SONG: The Priesthood Is Restored, CS 89

CLOSING PRAYER:

TREAT: ACORN DOUGH NUTS

Ingredients

• Chocolate Frosting or Peanut Butter

• Donut holes

• Crumbled Toffee or peanuts

• Pretzel

•

Instructions

1. Frost a third or so of a plain or glazed doughnut hole with chocolate frosting or peanut butter.

2. Roll the frosted top in crumbled toffee (look for it in the

baking section of grocery stores), then add a small piece of a pretzel for

the stem.

You can cut the napkins too look like oak leaves.

When I went to the Whitmer Farm, in New York (home

where the church was restored in 1830), there were

acorns all over the ground. I thought this was a fitting treat.

Restoration Church

Cut out the church, fold the walls, and glue the tabs in place so the church is standing. Then cut out the pictures. The scriptures on each side of the church tell about one aspect of the Restoration of the Church. Read each scripture and match the event in the scripture to one of the pictures. Then glue each picture to the appropriate side of the church.

My faith in Jesus Christ is strengthened when I obey

For this lesson, do not try to do or use everything listed. Pick and choose what will work

for your family. All the ideas listed below will be able to reinforce the lesson topic.

Songs

7. When My Mother Calls Me, Quickly I’ll Obey #197 PS 8. When We’re Helping We’re Happy #198 PS 9. Do as I’m Doing #276 PS 10. I Am a Child of God #2 PS 11. Baby Bumblebee here FS 12. Over in the Meadow here FS 13. Keep the Commandments #303 HS 14. How Gentle God’s Commands #124 HS

PS = Primary songbook FS = Traditional familiar children’s song HS = Hymns

Scripture Quotes & Stories

6. John 14:15 If you love the Lord, you’ll keep His commandments. 7. Exodus 20:12=Honor thy Father & Mother. See also cross references 8. **Colossians 3:20=Children should obey their parents in all things 9. Deuteronomy 21:18-21=See kids? Mom & Dad aren’t so bad. 10. Proverbs 17:25=Foolish son is a grief to his Father. 11. Joseph Smith History 49&50=Joseph was in the habit of obeying his

father. He knew his father would lead him in the right direction now. 12. Alma 57 This is the stripling warriors story. Obedience to parents leads

to obedience to leaders (ie. Prophet, Heavenly Father). 13. Ruth The story of Ruth & Naomi shows honor to parents.

Stories

3. Snow White & Rose Red—Both were taught to be kind. Obedience versus disobedience yielded different results. (Fairy tale from the Brother’s Grimm.)

4. Little Red Riding Hood—If she had gone straight to grandmas house like mom said, would the wolf have been a problem? (Fairy tale from the Brother’s Grimm.)

5. Pioneer girls obeyed dad and were saved from a fire. (Story from Rebecca Todd, “Fire on the Prairie,” Friend, Feb 1997

Games

1. Simon Says 2. Mother May I 3. “I Can Strengthen My Faith” Game (see printable gameboard with this

lesson)

Outings

3. Play “Follow the Leader” at the park on rollerblades or playground. Talk about how this is similar to what we are trying to do in following the Lord’s commandments.

4. Go downtown and talk about street safety rules. Practice obedience in applying rules learned.

5. Go to library and practice library manners as taught.

Object Lessons

1. Choice & consequence train chains -- Make a paper chain by interlocking strips of paper together to form circles. Have someone (or all the kids take turns) gently pull one end of the chain. Point out that wherever the first one is pulled, the rest follow. Like pulling on the first chain, you can choose your actions. Also, like the rest of the links in the chain, consequences will follow. You can’t choose the consequences. If you don’t obey your parents, you know that there will be a consequence for you action. The same is true when you choose to not obey the commandments of the Lord.

2. Everyone help make a cake. -- Mom or Dad give a direction to everyone. How would the cake taste if everyone didn’t obey their instruction? How about if only one person didn’t?

3. Obedience in Lego constructing. -- You can vary this as you want, but here is the general idea. Mother gives out instructions to all on building a particular structure that she has in mind. All are to follow the precise instructions. (Before FHE begins, Mom should ask one person to only partially follow her instructions on the first Lego project.) As the structures are being built, some may notice that one person isn’t following instructions. This will lead to good discussion later. When the structures have been completed, ask questions—including some in the discussion question section. The idea that comes across here should be that Heavenly Father’s plan makes it such that every mom and dad should be obeyed by their children because parents love their children and have in mind certain things they want them to learn and become. As children disobey, their structure doesn’t turn out the way mom and dad had in mind. For instance, if they refuse to be honest, perhaps their structure might be somewhat lopsided or something. The second part of this object lesson is to have Mother give instructions to the whole family to build something together. One person can be assigned as project manager to make sure things are done the way mom asked. (Before FHE, Mom can ask Dad to mildly sabotage the efforts.) If we don’t follow Heavenly Father’s instructions, (his commandments), our

faith doesn’t increase and we don’t get the blessings that He has in mind for us. When this project is completed, we can discuss the fact that what one person does can affect the whole family.

Activities

4. Follow the Leader Stay at home and play follow the leader around the house. Talk about how this is similar to what we are trying to do in following the Lord’s commandments.

Refreshment Ideas

1. Choose any fun treat, but require that it must be eaten in the manner indicated—fast, slow, sit, stand, around the edge, from the middle, with a ladle or a straw

2. See cake activity in “object lessons” 3. The Great Reward Salad—Give each family member an index card with

an ingredient to the salad and directions on how to get their ingredient properly to the bowl. Sometimes we get a reward or blessing right away when we obey. Sometimes it isn’t as easy to see as this salad, but we always get blessings for obedience. The Lord has to bless us! See D&C 82:10. Ingredients can vary, but here is a basic list.

a. 1 can pineapple chunks, with juice b. 1 can mandarin oranges, drain syrup c. 1 can fruit cocktail, drain syrup d. 1 can other fruit (apricots, pears, peaches), cut up e. 2 chopped apples f. 1 orange, peeled and cut up g. Some grapes or raisins h. Prepared whip cream or whip topping and a spoon, do not add to

bowl

Possible Discussion Questions

• Why does the Lord ask for obedience?

• What can happen when we don’t obey?

• What can we gain spiritually from obeying? • Why can’t the parents obey the kids?

• How does this fit in with the plan of salvation? • Have you seen examples of obedient or disobedient children you would

like to be like?

• How is your faith strengthened by obedience? • How do we know what it is we are supposed to obey?

• Do we have to obey all the commandments? • Are there other ways to make my faith grow?

Reference List

7. See internet links on each section. 8. www.lds.org 9. http://www.kididdles.com 10. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page 11. Go here for more song possibilities. (More songs on this topic may be

added over time.) 12. Refer to www.completelee.com for more information. 13. Email publish@completelee.com with questions.

I Can Repent

May – Week 2

Preparation: Set up 5 areas in your home with the five signs that have been created at the end of this

lesson. Ask several family members to explain one of the five steps along the path of repentance.

Opening song: “Repentence”, (CS pg. 98)

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent (D&C 19:16). Also: Luke 23:34, Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:14-15; Psalm 38:18

Lesson: What is the second principle of the gospel, listed in the fourth article of faith? If you said “Repentance,” you are right!

Repentance is turning from doing wrong to doing right. The Savior wants you to turn away from wrong and turn to Him. (See 3 Ne. 30:1–2.) He gave His life to pay for your sins so that if you repent, you can be forgiven and be clean again.

When you disobey the commandments or hurt others, the Holy Ghost cannot be with you and you may feel sad, guilty, lonely, or afraid. To change these feelings, you need to turn from doing wrong to doing right. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will help you change. This changing is called repentance.

Repentance begins inside of you—in your thoughts and in your heart. When you know you have done something wrong, think about it until a feeling of sorrow comes into your heart. Do not excuse yourself or blame someone else. Tell Heavenly Father what you have done and how you feel. Tell Him how much you love Him, and ask for His help. If you have hurt someone or something, try to make it better. Promise Heavenly Father that you will try, with all your heart, to do what is right from now on.

Repentance begins on the inside, but usually it shows on the outside as well. When you promise Heavenly Father that you will do what is right, you keep your promise by changing the way you

act. You treat others with more love and kindness. You keep the commandments. These actions will help you feel good about yourself and others.

You will need to repent many times throughout your life. As you turn away from wrong and try to do what is right, you will grow closer and closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

The Lord Jesus Christ has promised that if you repent, He will bless you and remember your wrongs no more. (See Hel. 13:11; D&C 58:42.)

Older Children: Discuss with the older children what the word poison means. Tell them that it is like sin. Just as poison destroys the body, sin destroys the spirit. Explain that if you were to take poison, you might immediately realize what you had done, be sorry, tell someone, and not take any more. But that would not save you from the effects of the poison already in your body. Help the children understand that when you have sinned, or taken spiritual poison, Jesus has commanded you to repent. You must feel sorry for the sin, confess it to Heavenly Father, try to pay for what you have done, and try to not do it again. Jesus Christ suffered and paid for all our sins so that we can repent. This is called the Atonement. Just as taking an antidote (medicine that works against poison) can eliminate the bad effects of poison in our system, repentance and the Atonement together can eliminate sin from our lives. Have the children look up the scriptures, then verbally fill in the blanks in the following sentences with repent, repentance, atone, or atonement. Discuss each scripture as you fill in the blank. (See page after coloring activity)

Activity: Instructions - (1) Mount picture on heavier paper a nd color each scene. (2) Cut along the heavy black lines and fold on the broken lines. Glue Tab 1 to the edge of the third scene. (3) Make small holes, as i ndicated, in Tabs 2, 3, 4, and overlap the tabs to align the holes (see illustrati on). Tie a double knot in a string, then thread the string through the holes with the k not on the botton. (4) Hang your Repentance Reminder where you can see it each day.

Sentences: And he commandeth all men that they must ________________ (2 Ne. 9:23). For the ____________ satisfieth the demands of … justice (2 Ne. 9:26). For according to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an ____________ made, or else all mankind must unavoidably perish (Alma 34:9). We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ____________ (A of F 1:4). Now this is the commandment: ____________, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be baptized in my name (3 Ne. 27:20). For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would ____________ (D&C 19:16). For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might ____________ and come unto him (D&C 18:11).

Five Steps in Repentence

Recognition Remorse

Confession Restitution Keeping the

commandments

Travis Learns About Repentance

1. Travis was having fun playing with Matt’s toys. He wished that

they were his own.

2. I’ll borrow them, he thought, putting several

toys into his pocket without asking Matt.

3. When Travis played with the

toys in his bedroom at home, it wasn’t much fun.

4. His mother asked him why

he was unhappy.

5. Travis told his mother that he had borrowed Matt’s toys without asking and that now

he felt awful about it.

6. “It is wrong to take

something that belongs to someone else,” said Travis’s mother. “What will make it

right?”

7. “I’ll feel better if Matt has his toys back,” said Travis.

“Will you take them to him for me?”

8. “No, I can’t repent for you,” Mother replied. “You are sorry, and

you need to take the toys back yourself.”

9. “I’m afraid to tell Matt the truth. Maybe he’ll be mad at

me.”

10. “Maybe he will,” said Mother, “but taking the

toys back and telling Matt that you are sorry will

take away the bad feeling that you have for your

mistake.”

11. “Matt, here are your toys. I’m sorry that I took them

without asking,” said Travis. “I won’t do it again.”

12. “I’m glad that you brought them back,” said

Matt. “You really are a good friend.” I’m glad that I told the truth and made things right,” Travis said

with a smile.

Closing Song: “Help Me, Dear Father” (CS pg 99) Closing Prayer:

FHE Lesson When I am baptized I make covenants with God

Preparations: Color and cut out the pictures for the flannel board story (or use them as puppets), Cut out the memory game pieces for matching the covenants we make at Baptism. Opening Song: 4th Article of Faith, When I am Baptized (103), or When Jesus Christ was Baptized (102) Opening Prayer: Family Business: Scripture: 4th Article of Faith Lesson: Attention Activity: Do you know what a promise is? Have two family members stand up and one say, “I promise to __________ (lend you _______), if you promise to __________ (return it) ” Have them link arms with each other showing they both agree to the promise and explain that a covenant is a two way promise between us and God. “Covenants at the Waters of Mormon: What Do I Promise Heavenly Father When I Am Baptized?,” Friend, Apr 2000, 10 They are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him (D&C 20:77).

When wicked King Noah condemned Abinadi to death, Alma, a repentant priest, pleaded for the prophet’s life. Furious, Noah tried to have Alma killed, too, but he fled into the wilderness and began teaching the gospel. Those who believed him went to hear him preach near a fountain of pure water in a place called Mormon.

One day Alma said to a large group of believers, “Behold, here are the waters of Mormon … and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

“Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—

“Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

“And now when the people had heard these words, they clapped their hands for joy, and exclaimed: This is the desire of our hearts.” (Mosiah 18:8–11.)

We, too, make the same covenants and can feel the same joy when we are baptized. Although she has not yet been baptized, six-year-old Macy Nelson of Gilbert, Arizona, is preparing to keep her covenant of comforting those who stand in need of comfort. She loved Grandma Lolly and Grandpa George very much and did lots of fun things with them. Grandpa George was her special buddy and was a “silly grandpa” who always made her laugh.

When he died in 1997, Macy cried. But then she looked up at her mommy and asked, “Who is going to take care of Grandma?”

“I don’t know,” her mommy replied.

Macy said, “I will.”

Grandma Lolly moved into Macy’s home, and she was happy to give Grandma her room. Macy continues to take care of Grandma with lots of hugs and kisses, and she thanks Heavenly Father that they are a “forever family.”

Activity: You could make extra copies of the people and let the children color their own, or play a memory game with each of the covenants that we make at baptism written on cards.

Closing Prayer:

Treats:

FHE Lesson: When I am confirmed I receive the Holy Ghost

Preparations: Make copies of the booklet for the children to make during the activity time. Opening Song: The Holy Ghost (CS, 105) Opening Prayer: Family Business: Scripture: 4th Article of Faith Lesson: Attention activity: Show a picture of a child being confirmed and ask the children what is happening.(These can be found on line at http://sites.google.com/site/ldsmeetinghouselibrarypicsgia/) Ask, what is the gift of the Holy Ghost? Remind them that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. Then ask them if they have ever been on a long road trip? How did they know which way to go to reach their destination? Did you use a map? Did you follow the road signs? These things can help us on travels here on Earth. All of us are on the most important journey, the journey back to our Heavenly Father's home. This is the Celestial Kingdom where we can live with Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. He has given us a “map” to follow while we are here to guide us as we travel back to Him. The map is called the Plan of Salvation, and the commandments are the road signs that point the way for us. Heavenly Father trusts us to follow his plan while we are here on Earth. His plan for us is for us to come to Earth, gain a body, show that we would follow his commandments, and follow the example of the Savior Jesus Christ. To follow the example of the Savior we must also be baptized as he was to “fulfill all righteousness.” and then He blesses us with his special gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift helps us follow the signs along our journey. It helps us to know when to stop, when to go, when to be more carefully along the way. Testimony: This is a good time to share an experience you may have had feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost in your life. It may be a good chance to ask others if they have had any of these experiences also. Activity: Color and make the booklet at the end of the lesson, and talk about what each of the pictures and statements mean to you and your family. Closing Prayer: Treats: You could take your treats and wrap them like a gift and talk about how the Holy Ghost is a gift from our Heavenly Father.

FHE Lesson The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Preparations: Cut out the 4 word strips and scriptures that go with them, gather pictures from the GAK that go with each word also. Opening Song: Listen, Listen (CS,107) Or The Holy Ghost (CS, 105) Opening Prayer: Family Business: Scripture: 4th Article of Faith Lesson: Display the word strips and ask if there is some one who can do all of these things. Lets talk about what each of these words mean. (Or if they are older you can read the definition and then have them guess which word it goes to.) Teach: Impart Skills or knowledge, like he instructed me in building a boat. Protect: A shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage. Guide: Someone who shows the way by leading or advising, a mode or standard for making comparisons. Warn: To give notice before hand, especially of danger, or evil. Comfort: A state of being relaxed and feeling no pain. A feeling of freedom from worry or disappointment. The act of consoling giving relief in affliction or give moral or emotional strength to ease physically. There is one person who is able to do all of these things. Do you know who it is? The Holy Ghost. This is a good time to also share an experience you have had where the Holy Ghost has done each of these things in your life, or encourage your children to share their experiences. Or share a scripture story that goes with each word. Like... Teach... (Joseph Smith was taught by the Holy Ghost many times but especially when he read the scriptures and was prompted to pray in the sacred grove.) Guide: When Nephi broke his bow and was guided to find food for his family after he had built a new one, or with the Liahona. After we are baptized and given the gift of the Holy Ghost as our companion we are able to have the Holy Ghost all the time as long as we are worthy and we can have the Holy Ghost bless us in all these ways. Testimony: Activity: Read each of the scriptures on the strips and match them to which word they go to. Closing Prayer: Treats:

Teach

Protect Guide Warn Comfort John 14:26 2 Nephi 31:17 D&C 6:14-15 D&C 11:12 John 15:26 Moroni 10:5

D&C 8:2 D&C 20:27

The Holy Ghost is the Third Member of the Godhead

Opening Song: CS p. 105, The Holy Ghost

Prayer:

Scripture: Article of Faith 1 ~ WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in

the Holy Ghost.

Objective: To recognize the role of the Holy Ghost as a member of the Godhead. The Holy Ghost has

many

Preparation: gather the following items: glove, gift, picture of a mouth, picture of ears, soap, flashlight,

blanket, picture of Christ; mason jar, quarter; wet wipes

LESSON:

• Read Article of Faith 1 – This scripture tells us the members of the Godhead. The Godhead is

like a Presidency. Each one is a different being, each one has special, important jobs.

• The Holy Ghost is a spirit - The third member of the Godhead, as the name implies, a personage

of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones (D&C 130: 22-23). He needs to be a spirit to

be able to do all his jobs. A spirit looks just like we do. Show the glove. Imagine the glove is

our body, our hand is like the spirit, when it is placed in our body then our body can move.

• The Holy Ghost has many jobs

Gift/Present- Explain that after we are baptized we get a wonderful gift- The Gift of the Holy

Ghost.

Mouth- The Holy Ghost speaks in a still small voice

Ears- we need to pay attention and listen for the Holy Ghost he will only speak to us when we

are keeping the commandments.

Teach children how sins can muffle the Holy Ghost's whispering.

Start with a mason canning jar or a clear vase. Explain that this represents the person

being baptized (Johnny). Hold up a shiny new quarter and explain that this is the Holy

Ghost. Drop it into the jar and shake it around. Ask the children if they can hear the

Holy Ghost. This represents the Holy Ghost helping us to choose the right.

Add a small scoop of dirt to the jar and explain that Johnny promised his mother he

would clean his room before going out to play, but he forgot. Shake the jar again and ask

if the children can hear the Holy Ghost still. (They should be able to.) Keep adding small

scoops of dirt and explain the mistakes that Johnny has made. Soon the children will not

be able to hear the Holy Ghost. Explain that when we sin, the Holy Ghost withdraws from

us and can't speak to us.

Ask the children how we can make it so we can hear the Holy Ghost again. (Repentance).

Dump the dirt from the jar, wipe off any excess, and put the quarter back in. Explain that

through Jesus Christ's Atonement we can be forgiven of our sins and be completely clean!

When we are clean, we are able to hear the Holy Ghost clearly again.

Soap – the Holy Ghost is a sanctifier. Through the Holy Ghost we are purified or freed from sin.

[definition of sanctified]

Flashlight- the Holy Ghost will help us choose the right and light our way

Blanket- The Holy Ghost will comfort us when we are sad

Heart- the Holy Ghost speaks to our mind with thoughts; and to our heart with feelings

Picture of Christ- the Holy Ghost will help us to remember Jesus.

SUMMARY:

The Holy Ghost … shall teach you all things (John 14:26).

I want to tell you young people about the remarkable and sacred gift of the Holy Ghost. This Comforter, which is available to everybody, is a personage of spirit and a member of the Godhead. The scriptures explain why the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit: “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us” (D&C 130:22).

The comforting Spirit of the Holy Ghost can be with us twenty-four hours a day: when we work, when we play, when we rest. Its strengthening influence can be with us year in and year out, when we are happy and when we are sad.

I believe that the Spirit of the Holy Ghost is the surest guardian of our inner peace. It can be more mind-expanding and can make us have a better sense of well-being than any chemical or other earthly substance. This Comforter can be with us as we seek to improve. It can function as a source of revelation to warn us of impending danger and also help to keep us from making mistakes. It can enhance our natural senses so that we can see more clearly, hear more keenly, and remember what we should remember. It helps us to be happy.

I pray that the promise of the Lord will be fulfilled for each of us and that the Holy Ghost shall be our constant companion, who will help us to be more righteous and to know the truth. (See D&C 121:46.)

James E. Faust, “How the Holy Ghost Helps You,” Friend, Mar 1990, inside front cover

Activity

A blanket or a quilt can make your body feel warm, just as the Holy Ghost can give your spirit a feeling of

warmth and peace. Learn more about the Holy Ghost by looking up each of the scripture references on

the quilt. You might want to underline the words Comforter, Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost in your scriptures.

Then color the quilt patch. Hang your picture near your bed to remind you that the Holy Ghost can

comfort you and that your faith will grow as you listen to His promptings.

AofF 1:1 WE believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.

D&C 42: 17 For, behold, the Comforter knoweth all things, and beareth record of the Father and of the

Son.

3Ne. 28:11 And the Holy Ghost beareth record of the Father and me; and the Father giveth the Holy

Ghost unto the children of men, because of me.

Luke 3:22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from

heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son; in thee I am well pleased.

1Ne. 12:7 And I also saw and bear record that the Holy Ghost fell upon twelve others; and they were

ordained of God, and chosen.

4Ne. 1:1 AND it came to pass that the thirty and fourth year passed away, and also the thirty and fifth,

and behold the disciples of Jesus had formed a church of Christ in all the lands round about. And as

many as did come unto them, and did truly repent of their sins, were baptized in the name of Jesus; and

they did also receive the Holy Ghost.

Moroni 6:9 And their meetings were conducted by the church after the manner of the workings of the

Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Ghost; for as the power of the Holy Ghost led them whether to

preach, or to exhort, or to pray, or to supplicate, or to sing, even so it was done.

Moroni 10:4 And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the

Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart,

with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy

Ghost.

5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

Alma 5: 45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify

unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I

know of their surety?

46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have bfasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself

that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the

spirit of revelation which is in me

Romans 15: 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in

hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1: 2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given

commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:

John 14: 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall

teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

2Ne 31:17 Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your

Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by

which ye should enter. For the gate by which ye should enter is repentance and baptism by water; and

then cometh a remission of your sins by fire and by the Holy Ghost.

D&C8:2 Yea, behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come

upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.

D&C 20:26 Not only those who believed after he came in the meridian of time, in the flesh, but all those

from the beginning, even as many as were before he came, who believed in the words of the holy

prophets, who spake as they were inspired by the gift of the Holy Ghost, who truly testified of him in all

things, should have eternal life,

27 As well as those who should come after, who should believe in the gifts and callings of God by the

Holy Ghost, which beareth record of the Father and of the Son;

CLOSING SONG: cs 106, The Still Small Voice

CLOSING PRAYER:

TREAT: Lady Bugs on a Stick

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:

Red grapes

Strawberries

Mini chocolate chips

Honeydew melon

1. For each one, push half of a red grape onto a trimmed wooden skewer for the head.

2. Next, push on a hulled strawberry body and score the back to create wings.

3. For spots, use a toothpick to gently press mini chocolate chips, tips down, into the fruit. Arrange the skewers on a honeydew

melon half.

FHE Lesson:

The Holy Ghost Speaks In A Still, Soft Voice This lesson is adapted for younger or teenage children..

Preparation: Gather spray air freshener (Can also use candle), make sure the scent is covered up

Find a blindfold and have pillows or couch cushions on hand for the Object Lesson.

*If using “When You Have the Spirit” & “When You Don’t Have the Spirit”

Cut into strips

choose a place that you can display them, can be a wall, book, box,

posterboard, etc.

tape

Prepare treat

Song: Listen, Listen -- Children’s Songbook page 107

Prayer:

Attention Activity

Spray a couple of small spritzes of the air freshener around the room (or while holding

the candle, have everyone smell it). Ask if anyone can identify the fragrance. Some will

smell it but can't tell what it is. Some will know right away and say it. Once the smell is

identified and they know what to look for, everybody will begin to smell it as well. Then

you can relate this to feeling the Spirit in your lessons and teachings. Some children will

feel the Spirit and not know what it is. Some will feel it and know right away what they

are feeling. Others need us to help them identify the Spirit and know what to look

for. Now everybody can feel the Spirit.

Scripture:

D&C 11:12-13

12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your atrust in that bSpirit which cleadeth to do dgood—yea, to do ejustly, to walk fhumbly, to gjudge righteously; and this is my Spirit.

13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall aenlighten your bmind, which shall fill your soul with cjoy;

Ask:

~ “According to this, what must we do for the blessings of the Holy Ghost?” (Put your trust in the

Spirit)

~ “If we do that, what will he do for us?” (Lead us to do good, be just, humble, judge righteously)

~ “This tells us ways to recognize the spirit or Holy Ghost, who can tell me what that feels like?”

(enlightened mind, joyful soul.)

Story: (those with older children may choose to skip this and use examples at end of

lesson)

Everyone But Me By Nadine A. Hall

Christopher’s heart was heavy as he walked slowly to the family car after Primary. Why does

everyone but me hear the still, small voice? he wondered.

In fast and testimony meeting, Brother Johnson told of an experience he’d had while driving

across a lonely stretch of highway. The still, small voice had told him to take a different

route home, one that would add about ten miles to his trip. Although he had been eager to

get back home from his business trip, he obeyed the prompting. On his detour, he came

across a rollover accident. A young family had been traveling a long way to visit relatives.

When the father, who was driving the car, fell asleep, the car had drifted too close to the

side of the road and had rolled off a steep embankment. Brother Johnson was able to help

the young family by calling for help on the phone he carried in his car and by administering

first-aid to the father, who had some serious cuts and bruises.

Bishop Benson told how he had been prompted by the Holy Ghost to check on Sister

Henderson during the week. Sister Henderson was a widow who lived about two miles up a

dirt road off the main highway into town. When the bishop went to see her, he found that

her furnace had broken down. She didn’t have a telephone and was no longer able to drive,

so she had prayed to Heavenly Father for help. The still, small voice had told her that all

would be well.

Later, Christopher’s Primary teacher, Sister Woolett, had given a lesson about the Holy

Ghost. She told about when the still, small voice had warned her to check on her sleeping

child. When she did, it appeared that everything was all right. But as she turned to leave, the

voice again told her to check on her boy. This time she went over to the crib and looked

more closely at him. There, next to him, was a large, jagged piece of glass. A framed picture

that had been hanging above the crib had somehow fallen. Most of the glass and the frame

had fallen behind the crib, but the large, jagged piece had fallen next to her sleeping son.

Sister Woolett also related an incident from the lesson manual about one of the prophets

being warned of danger by the still, small voice.

Why can everyone hear the still, small voice but me? Christopher wondered again. He knew that

following his baptism almost two years ago, he was given the gift of the Holy Ghost when

he was confirmed. So why doesn’t the Holy Ghost speak to me?

“How was Primary?” Mom asked as Christopher and his two younger sisters climbed into

the car. Jill and Melinda excitedly started telling about their lessons and the songs they

learned in singing time. Christopher just sadly stared at the floor of the car.

“What was your lesson about, Christopher?” Dad asked.

A tear rolled down Christopher’s cheek. “The Holy Ghost,” he replied softly. Sensing that

something was wrong, Jill and Melinda quit chattering.

“Maybe we could talk about this a little more when we get in the house,” Mom said as the

car turned into the driveway.

Later Mom and Dad invited Christopher to come to their room. “Christopher,” Mom said,

“can you tell us what’s bothering you?”

Christopher looked down. He didn’t want his parents to know that the Holy Ghost didn’t

talk to him. They probably heard the still, small voice all the time.

“Listen, Son,” Dad said, putting his arm around Christopher, “we can tell that you’re upset,

and we’d like to help.”

Christopher felt tears ready to spill from his eyes. “Mom, Dad,” he said in a shaky voice,

“why doesn’t the Holy Ghost speak to me? I’ve always tried to do what’s right. I know I

make mistakes—like the time I spilled the red punch on the new carpet and said Jill did it so

I wouldn’t get into trouble. But I did finally tell the truth. Do you have to be perfect like the

bishop or Brother Johnson or Sister Woolett to have the Holy Ghost speak to you?”

Mom and Dad looked a little surprised. “Christopher,” Mom said, “the only perfect person

who ever lived on the earth was Jesus Christ. Everyone makes mistakes. Why don’t you

think the Holy Ghost speaks to you?”

“I’ve never heard the still, small voice,” Christopher replied.

“Hearing a voice isn’t the only way the Holy Ghost can communicate with you,” Mom

said. “Often it’s what you feel, not what you hear. Don’t you remember that good feeling

you had after you prayed and asked Heavenly Father to forgive you for blaming your sister

for the carpet stain and after telling us the truth? That feeling was from the Holy Ghost.”

“It was?”

“Or how about the time when we were reading from the scriptures,” Dad added, “and you

suddenly understood what Jesus Christ was really talking about in the parable about the

wheat and the tares. That was the Holy Ghost teaching you.”

“Wow! I never thought about it that way before!”

“And,” said Mom, “remember when you got lost in the shopping mall last summer and you

prayed for help? After you prayed, you felt calm and knew you should sit on the nearest

bench and let us find you. That calm, reassuring feeling letting you know what to do was

also the Holy Ghost.”

Christopher smiled. Now he understood. The Holy Ghost had been talking to him, even if

he didn’t hear the still, small voice with his ears! Now he said excitedly, “What about last

week when I gave my talk in Primary? I’d studied it really hard, but when I got up, I

couldn’t remember it. Then I said a quick, little prayer, and suddenly my talk came back to

me. That was the Holy Ghost, too, wasn’t it?”

“That’s right,” Dad said. “Helping you remember things is also a part of the gift of the Holy

Ghost.”

“Wow! Now I understand! All those times the Holy Ghost really was talking to me!”

Object Lesson:

Move some pillows or couch cushions into the middle of the room in different places. Say to

your family “If you trust me and listen to me, I will guide you safely through.” Then have a

child stand on one side of the room with a blindfold on and you will give instructions to

them in a quiet voice (Take one step the right/left/forward, etc.) make sure there is

background noise—either the other family members’ chattering and singing or you can turn

a radio on, not too loud as to totally block your voice but it should require an effort to listen

to only you. The person wearing the blindfold needs to be able to recognize your voice and

try to hear the instructions that are given to get across the room safely.

After everyone gets a chance to participate, ask :

“Was it difficult to listen to my voice for guidance?’

“How is this similar of our every day lives when the Holy Ghost whispers to us?”

Because the Holy Ghost often speaks softly, this is a great way (not to mention fun) to demonstrate the need to focus on the listening for the Holy Ghost and ignoring other influences.

Conclusion:

Explain that the Holy Ghost can be felt in several different ways. Many times the still small voice is

more of a feeling than a voice, we can feel it in our hearts, sometimes thoughts or words come into

our minds, at times we may even hear a voice.

Closing Prayer:

The Holy Ghost Can Guide and Protect Us.

Opening song: The First Article of Faith CS122

Opening prayer:

When you get baptized, you receive a very special gift from your Heavenly Father. This gift will never

get old and it will never wear out and it will always bring you happiness.

What might this gift be?

Scripture: “Therefore, as I said unto mine apostles I say unto you again, that every soul

who believeth on your words, and is baptized by water for the remission of

sins, shall receive the Holy Ghost.”

The Holy Ghost will be a very special friend to you.

Let’s talk about what the Holy Ghost is and why it is important to you.

1) The Holy Ghost helps you to choose the right and keep the commandments.

2) The Holy Ghost encourages you to do nice things for others and to be kind. He will inspire you

to help others if they need help.

3) The Holy Ghost will help you to feel safe and to feel peace.

4) The Holy Ghost will help comfort you when you feel scared, worried, or alone.

5) The Holy Ghost will help you in school to remember things you have learned.

6) The Holy Ghost will help you make important decision regarding your life.

7) The Holy Ghost will help protect you from physical or spiritual danger

OBJECT LESSON concept by Michael Wilcox

*You will need a bowl, sand, silver washers, and a magnet ( I got my magnet at home depot. It is 1 ½”

rectangle)

*This bowl represents the world we live in.

In this world there is good and bad. The sand represents the bad, and the nice silver washers represent

the good. (Put a scoop of sand in the bowl for the bad, and give each child a washer for each good.)

Good

Music that uplifts

Friends that are good example

Wholesome entertainment

Feelings of love, peace, patience

Speaking kindly, politely, respectfully

Positive influence of Church leaders, family, parents

Bad

Music that has bad language

Friends that make wrong choices

Entertainment that contains bad language, portrays bad values

Feelings of anger, hate, frustration

Speaking with rude language, foul words, lords name in vain

Influences of Satan that will tempt you to do bad

Since in this Earth life, there is good and bad all mixed up together, put the washers in the bowl. (Stir

them slightly and cover them with sand so they can’t be seen. Don’t let them get too deep)

To find the good in the world, you need help so that you do not encounter a lot of the negative and bad

influences of the world.

This is where the Holy Ghost will be able to help you. This magnet represents the Holy Ghost. If you

hold the magnet over the sand the magnet will attract the washers and pull them right up out of the

sand. This is how the Holy Ghost works. He will direct you and guide you to the positive things in the

world so you can stay away from things and people who would be harmful to you.

In order for the Holy Ghost to work in your life though, there are things you must do so that he can

always dwell with you.

If I were to give you a sock that was very dirty and smelly, would you put it on and wear it? Probably not. Why?

The Holy Ghost feels the same about dwelling within us when we are not making good choices. The Holy

Ghost can only guide us and dwell within us when we are making good choices.

What are some things you can do to take care of this special gift The Holy Ghost, so that we can be guided and directed by him? Saying your prayers

Reading your scriptures

Being kind and honest

Following the example of your Savior Jesus Christ.

Repent daily

In this life you may make some wrong choices and become a bit dirty. Remember though that Heavenly

Father loves you very much and has given you a way each week to be able to repent and be clean again.

Just like when you play outside and get dirty, you come in and take a bath and get clean. Well, when

you get dirty from bad choices, this is when you make sure to repent and say sorry to your Heavenly

Father before you take the bread and water or The Sacrament, and you will be all clean again.

Your Heavenly Father loves you and gives you this gift, The Holy Ghost to bring you feelings of warmth,

love, peace, joy and wanting to do good. The Holy Ghost will never lead you to danger. You will always

be able to trust him. Make it an important habit NOW to have the Holy Ghost as your companion and

your guide in this life, so that as you grow, you will always be someone who is an example of goodness

in this world.

Closing song: The Holy Ghost CS105 both verses

Closing prayer:

Family Home Evening Lesson Based on:

By the Power of the Holy Ghost, We May Know the Tru th of All Things June Week 4 of the

2010 Outline for Sharing Time I Know My Savior Lives

Opening Song: “The Holy Ghost,” (CS, 105) Purpose: To have a FHE lesson that compliments the 2010 Primary Theme and

teaches that the “Holy Ghost teaches the truth of all things” (see 2010 Outline

for Sharing Time, p. 13). It uses many points from President Uchtdorf’s October

2006 Conference Address entitled “The Power of a Personal Testimony.” Preparation: � Print and color the flannel board story of Nephi Builds a Ship.

� Gather paper, pencils, glue and scissors. � Copy as many small pictures at the end of the lesson as needed for your family.

� Copy and prepare the game to play, if desired. Lesson: Scripture Story: Tell the story of Nephi building a ship. Emphasize Nephi’s

testimony, even through his brothers’ persecution, that the Lord would prepare a way. He had righteous motivation and a powerful testimony that the Holy Ghost had taught him the truth of all things.. (Flannel board figures are available at the end of this lesson)— What is a Testimony? “A testimony is the sure knowledge or assurance from the Holy Ghost of the

truth and divinity of the Lord's work in these latter days. A testimony is the

"abiding, living, [and] moving conviction of the truths revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ" (Marion G. Romney, "" May 1976, 8; emphasis added). (Quoted

byDieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 37–39)

Sing the first verse of "I Feel the Spirit" (Friend, Feb. 2004, 15). Point out the words that describe the feeling of the Holy Ghost—gentle, peace, love, joy, faith, comfort. These are ways the Spirit speaks to us.(Sharing Time, Listen to the Still,

Small Voice, Friend, August 2007, By Elizabeth Ricks) Read Moroni 10:4–5 and explain that the Holy Ghost helps us know what is true. Teach the children that our five fingers can remind us of things the Holy Ghost

bears witness of: (1) God is our Father in Heaven; (2) Jesus Christ is His Son and

is our Savior; (3) Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, and the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, is true; (4) The Church of

Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s Church; and (5) We have a living

prophet on the earth today. Discuss how these five statements form the foundation of a testimony. Have the children trace one of their hands on a paper

and write or draw pictures of the five things on the fingers. Sing the first verse of

“The Holy Ghost” (CS, 105). (from 2007 Outline for Sharing Time and the

Children’s Sacrament Meeting Presentation, page 7) Pictures provided at the end of the lesson.

How do we get a Testimony? “We receive this testimony when the Holy Spirit speaks to the spirit within us. We will receive a calm and unwavering certainty that will be the source of our

testimony and conviction irrespective of our culture, race, language, or

socioeconomic background. These promptings of the Spirit, rather than human logic alone, will be the true foundation upon which our testimony will be built. “The core of this testimony will always be the faith in and the knowledge of Jesus Christ and His divine mission, who in the scriptures says of Himself, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). “First: Desire to believe “Second: Search the Scriptures “Third: Do the will of Heavenly Father, keep the commandments

“Fourth: Ponder, fast and Pray”

(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 37– 39) What is a testimony good for? “A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation, and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth. It is a constant source of confidence, a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. A testimony provides us with a reason for hope and gladness. It helps us cultivate a spirit of optimism and happiness and enables us to rejoice in the beauties of

nature. A testimony motivates us to choose the right at all times and in all

circumstances. It motivates us to draw nearer to God, allowing Him to draw nearer to us (see James 4:8). “Our personal testimony is a protective shield, and like an iron rod it is guiding us

safely through darkness and confusion. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Power of a

Personal Testimony,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 37–39) Nephi's testimony gave him the courage to stand up and be counted as one who

obeys the Lord. He did not murmur, doubt, or fear no matter what the

circumstances. When times got tough he said, "I will go and do [what] the Lord [has] commanded, for I know that the Lord . . . shall prepare a way . . . [to]

accomplish [it]". Testimony: Share your testimony of a time when the Holy Ghost witnessed the

truth to you. How did you feel? Etc.

Closing Song: "I Feel the Spirit" (Friend, Feb. 2004, 15). Closing Prayer: Treat: Coconut Ice Cream Pie Crust:

1 c. flour ¼ cup brown sugar ¼ cup nuts, chopped 5 TBS butter

Mix together and bake in a preheated oven of 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

When you remove the crust, stir to break into smaller pieces and cool. Filling: Small package instant Jell-O, Vanilla 2 pt. Vanilla ice cream 1 cup milk Pour ice cream mixture on top of crust. Top with cool whip and toasted coconut. “I Can Gain a Testimony” Game http://tinyurl.com/yb 4r8hc Play this game during family home evening. You might end by singing “The

Church of Jesus Christ” (Children’s Songbook,page 77). Instructions Mount the game board and cards on lightweight cardboard. Cut the cards apart. You will need a die, and different colors of buttons for markers. Rules 1. Mix up the cards and place them facedown in a pile.

2. Each player puts a button on the start space. On each player’s turn, he draws a card and tells a story from the scriptures that illustrates the principle listed. Players may help one another think of stories. Use the Topical Guide in the LDS

edition of the Bible, if needed. 3. After telling the story, the player rolls the die and moves his marker that many

spaces. If he lands on a space with directions, he proceeds as indicated. 4. A player may enter the testimony circle only by rolling the exact number needed. The game is over only when all players have reached the testimony

circle.

Jesus Christ Always Obeyed Heavenly Father

July – Week 1

Opening song: “I Will Follow God’s Plan” (CS pg. 164)

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: Janice Kapp Perry, “I Will Always Obey,” Friend, Mar 1996, 36–37

1. Jesus obeyed His Father, Kept His commandments perfectly. Even when He had to suffer and die, He did not murmur or question why. He knew the plan, and He followed in faith. Jesus always obeyed.

2. Joseph obeyed the Father, Followed directions faithfully. Seeing a vision he could not deny, He did not murmur or question why. He only listened and followed in faith. Joseph always obeyed.

3. Nephi obeyed his father, Followed instructions carefully. Always so ready and willing to try, He did not murmur or question why. He only listened and followed in faith. Nephi always obeyed.

Chorus: When Heavenly Father speaks to me, Through parents or prophets, or in quiet ways, I want to listen and follow in faith, I will always obey.

Copyright © 1996 by Janice Kapp Perry. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. This notice must be included on each copy made.

Lesson: Simeon was a very old man, but he had been promised that he would see Jesus Christ before he died. Anna was a prophetess who was also very old. One day Anna and Simeon saw the Baby Jesus in the temple. They knew that the baby they saw was Christ, the promised

Messiah foretold by all the prophets. He had come to live on earth and save the people from their sins. (See Luke 2:21–38.)

The Baby Jesus surely grew just like you are growing. The scriptures say that He “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). Our bodies increase in stature when we eat good food and get plenty of exercise. That is surely what Jesus did.

(Have a short discussion about the Word of Wisdom and how Jesus must have followed these principles because he grew up to be a healthy, strong man.)

He might have played outside, and He must have worked hard when He lived in Nazareth. Children in those days usually walked everywhere they went. That helped them grow physically strong. Think about Jesus playing with friends or learning to work in Joseph’s carpenter shop. Can you imagine Jesus growing from a boy to a man? As Jesus grew taller and wiser, He also grew strong in spirit, and the things He did were pleasing to His Heavenly Father (see Luke 2:40). When He was twelve years old, He went with His family to the temple in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. He had an amazing experience there. His parents thought that He was with their group when they left to travel home, but Jesus had stayed in Jerusalem. When they finally found Him, three days later, He was talking with the learned men in the temple. He was asking them questions and answering theirs. “And all that heard Him were astonished at his understanding and answers” (see Luke 2:41–47).

(Discuss how Jesus went about doing his Father’s work at age 12.)

How did Jesus grow in spirit and in wisdom?

He must have studied the scriptures in order to be able to talk with the learned men in the temple. We know that Jesus was obedient to His parents (see Luke 2:51). We know that His family kept the commandments and obeyed the law of the Lord. That is why they were in the temple that day they met Anna and Simeon. And that is why they went to Jerusalem for the Passover. If Jesus found favor with God and man as the scripture says, then we know that He chose the right and was honest and kind to others (see Luke 2:52).

Even as a child, Jesus set an example for us to follow. We can study the gospel, obey our parents, and learn to choose the right. As we do these things, we, too, can grow strong in spirit and in wisdom and in favor with God and man. Jesus lived on earth to show us the way.

Stories of Obedience of others - If ye love me, keep my commandments (John 14:15). Athos M. Amorim, “Obedience and Service,” Friend, Jun 1999, inside front cover (Adapted from an October 1998 general conference address. See Ensign, November 1998, page 30.) On an outside wall of the Brazilian Army Academy, cadets can read the words “You will command. So learn to obey!” Early in life I learned that obedience is essential to our progress. I am not talking about blind obedience but the obedience that allows us to reach a higher and more spiritual level in life, using our agency to do the will of the Lord. The prophet Joseph Smith taught that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21).

Something else I learned in the army is that soldiers in my country do not use the verb to work when they talk about their assignments. Rather, they use the verb to serve, helping them always remember their commitment to our people and our country. In Church service, this definition is enlarged to include service to Heavenly Father’s children wherever they may live.

Many times the most beautiful examples of obedience and service are given by ordinary people who live close to us. Sister Ana Rita de Jesus, an elderly widow, lived in Anápolis, Brazil. She could not read or write. The missionaries would go to her home every week to read the scriptures to her. She was loving and kind. Every Sunday she asked the missionaries to help her fill out a tithing slip. Sometimes her tithing and offerings were not more than a few cents, but she knew the law and wanted to obey it. After paying her tithing, she would walk into the room where the sacrament meeting was held in a rented house and would place a flower on the pulpit. In doing so, she served her brothers and sisters, bringing beauty to the place where we worshiped the Lord. That sister, in a very simple way, taught us obedience and service. She knew that obeying the commandments is the best preparation to serve.

The greatest example of obedience and service was given by the Lord Jesus Christ when He said, “Nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Activity and Closing Song: Try to learn the song “I Will Always Obey”. If no family member can read

music, learn the lines as a poem.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus Christ went about doing good

By Sharee Zirker

(Adapted from the Nursery Manual-Lesson 5)

Introduction: Jesus Christ set a perfect example of kindness and love. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus showed His love for others by blessing and serving the poor, the sick, and the distressed. He told His disciples, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you” (John 15:12; see also John 13:34-35; Moroni 7:46-48).

Preparation: Get all of the following pictures ready with the scripture verses and be prepared to discuss each story. All members of the family need a set of scriptures. You will also need any other items for the optional activities.

Instruction: Tell the family that when Jesus Christ lived on earth, He taught us to love others; He showed us how by the things He did. Young children: Let the child hold one of the following pictures and then you tell the story of what happened. Older children: Give them the scripture references for the pictures; have them read the story and then re-tell the story in their own words and find the picture it belongs to.

1. Illustration of Christ feeding 5000-Nursery manual; lesson 5 page 27. Many people had come to hear Jesus teach. They were there a long time and got very hungry (have the young children pretend they are hungry). There was only a little bread and fish to feed all of the people. Jesus blessed the food and told His disciples to give it to the people. Everyone had enough to eat, and there was a lot of food left over (have the children pretend to eat). See Matthew 14:13-21

Have the children say with you, “Jesus showed us how to love others.”

2. Picture Jesus healing the blind-Nursery manual; lesson 5 page 26. One day Jesus saw a man who was blind-he could not see (have the children cover their eyes). Jesus blessed the man so he could see (have the children uncover their eyes). See John 9:1-12

Have the children say with you, “Jesus showed us hoe to love other.”

3. Picture of Christ with the Nephite children-Nursery manual; lesson 5 page 22. After Jesus was resurrected, He visited the Nephites. Because He loved the children, He blessed each one of them (have the children hug themselves). 3 Nephi 17:21-24.

Have the children say, “Jesus showed us how to love others.”

4. Picture of Christ Calling the Fisherman-Gospel Art Book (New Testament) Show the children a picture of Christ wearing sandals (if you have a pair of sandals-you could use them as well). Explain that Jesus, wearing shoes like these, went about doing good. Acts 10:38

Have children repeat, “Jesus went about doing good, for God was with Him.”

Other pictures you could use as well:

Jesus raising Jairus’s daughter from the dead-Gospel Art Book (New Testament) Matthew 9:18-19, 23-25)

Song: Sing or say the words to “I’m Trying to Be like Jesus” and/or “Come Follow Me.”

Conclusion: Share your testimony that we can love others as Jesus did.

Optional Activities: Bring a picture of the Savior (you could use any picture of Christ). Find a piece of paper that is the same size as the picture (or cut a piece of paper to the same size) and cut the paper into three or four pieces to make a puzzle. Write “I will love others” on the back of each piece. Cover the picture of Jesus with the puzzle pieces. Ask a child to choose a piece. Read the phrase on the piece and have all the children repeat it. Discuss one way we can love others (say thank you, share, do what mother and father ask, put toys away, and so on). Repeat with each piece until the illustration is completely uncovered. Reinforce the concept that Jesus showed us hoe to love others.

Bring a copy of the Bible. Mark John 15:12 so that you can turn to it easily. Tell the children that in the scriptures Jesus taught us to love one another. Open the Bible to John 15:12 and read, “Love one another.” Invite the children to repeat the phrase with you.

Copy the illustration-Nursery Manual; lesson 5 page 27 for each family member. Ask children questions about the illustration to remind them of the story you told them earlier. For example: Can you see Jesus in the picture? (Have the children point to Jesus on their copies of the illustration)

What was in the baskets? (Have the children pretend to eat)

Sharee Zirker

Jesus Christ's Example Teaches Me How To Live

Lesson 1

Quote : When you choose to follow Christ, you choose to be changed…can human hearts be changed? Why, of course! It happens every day…It is one of the most widespread of Christ’s modern miracles. If it hasn’t happened to you…it should. (President Ezra Taft Benson)

Song : I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus (Children’s Songbook p. 78)

Scripture: If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honor. (John 12:26)

OR:

Wherefore, follow me, and do the things which you have seen me do. (2 Nephi 31:12.)

Object Lesson : (Materials Needed: A picture of our solar system—a picture can be found at: http://www.gcsescience.com/pun3.htm)

Display the picture of the solar system, and explain that the sun is the center of our solar system with all of the planets revolving around it. Discuss how rotation and revolution ensures our planet’s constant light and heat.

Explain that the Savior offers us the spiritual light (truth) and warmth (love) that we need to guide us. Point out that to enjoy the full benefits of this, we must keep Him as the center of our lives. We can demonstrate His importance in our lives by revolving our lives around Him. Discuss how this can be done (regular prayers, scripture study, meeting attendance, and daily actions.)

Story for Younger Children : “Hike to Diamond Hill”:

The morning was cool and dark when Jason and Suzanne left with Paul, their big brother. They could hardly wait to see the sunrise from the top of Diamond Hill. Paul had been there many times and knew the path well, but Jason and Suzanne had only heard of it.

As they traveled through the fields and forests, Paul told them how beautiful Diamond Hill was, and also warned them to stay on the path.Before they knew it, Diamond Hill loomed before them, and they began to follow the winding path upward. Suzanne and Jason soon realized that by staying close to Paul, they could see where he walked. If they watched carefully, they could miss rocks and roots that might trip them.

As they walked, the trail began to get steeper and the path harder to see. Slippery rocks and tangled shrubs covered the hillside. Sometimes Suzanne and Jason had to watch very closely to see where Paul was walking.

They were about halfway to the top of the hill when Suzanne noticed a pretty flower by the side of the trail. Getting a good look meant falling behind and taking a couple of steps off the trail, but she really wanted to see what kind of flower it was. When she finally looked up, Paul and Jason were faint images on the hill above her. If she listened very carefully, she could hear them calling.

Looking around, Suzanne could no longer see the path to reach them. She began to climb, stumbling over roots and rocks until a huge boulder stood in her path. Looking for a way around, she slipped and fell into an old bush.

“Suzanne,” came Paul’s voice from the lifting darkness, “hold still and let me help you.” Two strong hands lifted her from the thorny bush and guided her carefully back to the path. Paul gently hugged her and brushed off the dirt and twigs that clung to her clothes. The pair quickly caught up with a waiting Jason and continued their trip to the top. Suzanne knew that she would follow her big brother more carefully, and from then on she stayed close to him, walking where he walked. She had learned an important lesson.

Ask the following questions: Why did Suzanne need to follow Paul carefully? Who are the people that we should follow? What got in Suzanne’s way when she tried to get back on the path? What are some things that keep us from following the Savior? What can we do to avoid the rocks and stay on the path?

Story for Older Children : Sunflowers always face the sun. In the morning they face east. By evening, they have turned west. They follow the sun as it crosses each day's sky, so they can gather in as much sun as possible. We can be like sunflowers, and turn to the SON, Jesus Christ, and gather spiritual light from Him. A sunflower seed will grow most anywhere. You, too, can bloom and grow where you are planted. By desiring to believe and by studying the scriptures prayerfully, you will nurture your personal gospel seed. As the sunflower grows, small buds will soon appear, surrounded by protecting leaves. Like

those leaves, your parents, leaders, and teachers surround you, and love you, and protect you, and help your budding testimony grow. As a sunflower grows taller, its stalk grows thicker, for it must support the large flower that will soon be full of seeds. So as your spiritual stalk must grow, and your testimony will grow stronger as you prayerfully read the scriptures that teach of Jesus Christ and strive to become like Him. When the sunflower bud opens, bright yellow petals form, and its head becomes a golden crown. The blessings of its growth at last begins to show. And, having been born of a seed, it now produces seeds of its own that nourish people, animals and birds. Your testimony will likewise produce its own new seeds and you will nourish family, friends and others who will see the Son reflected, like a golden crown, in you, for you have become like Him. So, turn to the Son. Open your heart to His light. Seek it first thing each morning. Follow its warmth across each day's sky. Let its comfort be the last thing you feel each night. Then as the evening of your life's last setting comes, you will arise to a glorious new morning and turn again to Him and He will see His image in your countenance.

Activity: We can’t do all the things that Jesus Christ did, but, like Him, we can be kind, we can be peacemakers, and we can love and serve others. Have three boxes or cans labeled “Kindness,” “Peacemakers,” and “Loving and Serving.” Fill the boxes with slips on which are written situations appropriate to the ages of the children. Have a child choose a box, then select and read (or you read) a situation from it. Ask, “What would you do?” or “How would you like to be treated if this happened to you?”

Possible situations:

Kindness box: • A boy who calls you a name at school is assigned as your partner for a class report; you know the material, and he doesn’t. • You are planning a party and inviting all the people in your class, but no one really knows the new student, who “talks funny,” and you aren’t sure that you want to invite her. • One of your classmates wears glasses, and the other children make fun of her and call her names.

Peacemakers box: • You are watching a video when your brother comes and plugs a game into the television and starts playing it without even asking. • There is one brownie left, and you have been planning to eat it as soon as you finish your homework, but when you go to get it, your sister grabs and eats it. • You are doing a math problem and make a simple mistake; your friend laughs at you and hurts your feelings.

Loving and Serving box: • At a Primary activity day, you see a teacher trying to get cookies, a baby, and a toddler out of the car and into the building. • Your mother is getting dinner ready, but your little sister keeps pulling at her to go outside to play. • Your friend had an operation and won’t be back in school for a month; he can have visitors after school but only during the time you usually play basketball with your other friends. /

Extra Activity: Play “Follow the Leader,” liken it to following Christ

Refreshments: Ask family members which they would rather have for refreshments—popped or unpopped kernels of corn. Showing unpopped popcorn kernels, demonstrate how we can be hard when we do not serve others, but when "popped," or filled with air (or love), we are light and fluffy. Serve popped corn. (For a variation, add butter, salt, caramel, or cheese. Have family members come up with an analogy for all the “extras” you can put on popcorn, as related to love and service.)

Jesus Christ's Example Teaches Me How To Live

Lesson 2

Quote: “Tremendous happiness and peace of mind are the results of loving service to others. Nobody can live fully and happily who lives only unto himself.” (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

OR: Can you guess the answer to this riddle? “What is as invisible as the wind and as warm as the sun, can be given away without losing any, grows when it is shared, comes from your heart, and shows on your face?” The answer to the riddle is love. Love is a powerful feeling of affection, concern, and tenderness for another.

Song : Love One Another (Children’s Songbook p. 136)

(Show a picture of Christ). Who is our perfect example of love?

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He set a perfect example for us to follow in treating other people. He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). He showed us at least three things that each of us can do: He was kind; He loved everyone; and He served others.

• I can be kind. Jesus taught that we can share what we have with others. We can visit people who are sick. We can make someone who is new feel welcome. Jesus did these things, and we can, too. He said that when we do these things for others, we are doing it for Him (see Matt. 25:40 ). When we share with others, we are not just sharing with them—we are sharing with Him. When we visit others, it is as if we are also visiting Him. When we make others feel welcome, we are making Him feel welcome, too. Surely that is why being kind helps us to have a good feeling and to feel close to our Savior.

• I can love everyone. When Jesus knew that He was about to be crucified, He gave His disciples a most important commandment—to love one another the same way He loved them. He told them that people would know that they were His disciples if they followed this commandment. People will know that we are followers of Jesus Christ when they see that we are trying to love everyone.

• I can serve others. Jesus spent His whole life serving others. He even gave His life for others—for us. He taught that the greatest among us would be those who serve others as He did (see Matt. 23:11 ). That is hard for some people to understand. They think that if everyone serves them, it means that they are very important. Jesus Christ taught a better way—to serve others by helping them, by comforting them, by treating them as He treated others.

Object Lesson : Line up a row of dominos. Let a child come and push the first domino down. It will knock down the rest of the row too. Explain that even though the first domino was the only one that was touched, it pushed the second one over, which knocked the third one

down. It continued this way until the entire row fell. Explain that love works similarly to the dominoes. As we learn about Jesus, we grow to love Him. We begin to feel so much love for Him that we show it by helping, or serving, someone else. That person feels the love that your service brought to them, and their love becomes so great that they, in turn, serve another.

Story for Younger Children : “The Rosebush”: Matthew put his head down and walked faster. He tried not to see the white stucco house ahead. He knew he should stop. Mother would probably ask him, “Did you see Grandma today?” He sighed. He used to stop almost every day on his way home from school.

Then Grandpa died.

Matthew hadn’t known what to say to Grandma since Grandpa died. She was sad now. Sometimes when she talked about Grandpa, she cried. Other people seemed to know what to say to Grandma. They put their arms around her and told her not to cry. But Matthew never knew what to say or do. He just stood there feeling uncomfortable.

Matthew walked up the sidewalk and knocked on the door. Grandma opened it. Her eyes were red. Matthew’s heart sank. He wished he had walked on past her house.

“Come in, dear.”

Matthew went in. He saw a box on the floor in the hall. Inside was a small rosebush, its roots wrapped with burlap and packing. Every year Grandpa ordered a new rosebush for his garden. He must have ordered this one before he died.

“Take it home with you, Matthew. I can’t bear to look at it,” sniffed Grandma.

“No,” said Matthew. He gulped, surprised at himself, then plunged on. “Grandpa would have wanted you to plant it. He loved the garden, especially the rosebushes.” Matthew had spent many hours helping Grandpa in the garden. Grandma was silent. Matthew thought she was angry with him. He wished he hadn’t said anything.

“You’re right, Matthew. Grandpa would have wanted that rosebush planted in the garden. I’ve never planted a rosebush before, though.”

“I’ll help you, Grandma,” Matthew offered. “I helped Grandpa lots of times.”

Grandma changed into old clothes while Matthew went to the garage to get a shovel. Soon the two of them had a big hole dug in one corner of the garden. It was hard work. By the time the rosebush was in place, they were panting. The afternoon sun was almost behind the hills.

Grandma stood for a moment and looked at the rosebush. Her cheeks were red, and her eyes sparkled. “Is it all right, Matthew?”

“Yes, Grandma. It’s fine. It’s where Grandpa would have wanted it.”

Matthew put the shovel away. When he went inside, Grandma was in the kitchen. “I’d better go home, Grandma. Mom will be worried.”

“It’s all right. I called her. She knows where you are. Matthew, I want to show you something.” Grandma reached into a kitchen drawer and pulled out a box of seed packets. “These came in the mail last week. I was going to throw them away. I was just thinking … maybe I’ll try to plant them after all. Would you help me? I’ve never been much of a gardener.”

“I sure will, Grandma,” said Matthew. “I’ll stop by tomorrow after school.”

Matthew went out the door and down the sidewalk whistling a happy tune. (From the April 1983 Friend.)

Story for Older Children: “The Final Exam ”: A group of religion instructors were taking a summer course on the life of the Savior and focusing particularly on the parables. When the final exam time came, the students arrived at the classroom to find a note that the exam would be given in another building across campus. Moreover, the note said, it must be finished within the two-hour time period that was starting almost at that moment.

The students hurried across campus. On the way, they passed a little girl crying over a flat tire on her new bike. An old man hobbled painfully toward the library with a cane in one hand, spilling books from a stack he was trying to manage with the other. On a bench by the union building sat a shabbily dressed, bearded man [in obvious distress].

Rushing into the other classroom, the students were met by the professor, who announced they had all flunked the final exam. The only true test of whether they understood the Savior’s life and teaching, he said, was how they treated people in need.

“Their weeks of study at the feet of a capable professor had taught them a great deal of what Christ had said and done.” In their haste to finish the technicalities of the course, however, they failed to recognize the application represented by the three scenes that had been deliberately staged. They learned the letter but not the spirit. Their neglect of the little girl and the two men showed that the profound message of the course had not entered into their inward parts. (Told by James E. Faust, General Conference, April, 1998.)

Activity : Play “Guess Who Loves Me.” The person who is “it” thinks of something that someone in the family has done for him/her that showed love for him/her. The rest of the family tries to guess who did it. The one who guesses correctly is “it” next time.

Extra Activity : Make a paper chain, adding a link each time a service is performed within your family. Write the service performed on the paper before adding it to the chain.

Refreshments: Show the following Mormonad: (it can also be found at http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/NewEra/img/img00263.jpg?f=templates$fn=document

-frame.htm$3.0)

.

Let each family member decorate their own heart-shaped sugar cookie, and think of one way that they can show love to another family member during the upcoming week.

Jesus Christ's Example How to Live

Song: Come Follow Me, hymns #116

Object Lesson/activity:

Beforehand, build a structure with one set of blocks (the more complex the better); place a

box over it to make sure it cannot be seen. Nearby, provide a stack of blocks identical to the

ones used to build your structure. Choose a child to come up to the table with the stack of

blocks. Try to describe to him/her how to build the structure like yours. Once they have

attempted it, remove your box and compare the two structures (theirs will differ

considerably from yours.) Next have them try again to copy the structure with the box

removed and looking at your example. They will be able to do it exactly.

Heavenly Father loves us so much and wants us to return home to Him, not only did he

give us the scriptures to describe how to do it (like the first example), but He also sent His

Son to show us what we need to do to gain eternal life (second example). Just like the blocks

we are better able to copy something when we are shown how versus just being taught how.

Lesson:

When Jesus Christ lived on the earth, He set a perfect example for us to follow in treating

other people. He said, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to

you” (John 13:15). He showed us at least three things that each of us can do: He was kind.

He loved everyone. He served others.

I can be kind. Jesus taught that we can share what we have with others. We can visit

people who are sick. We can make someone who is new feel welcome. Jesus did these

things, and we can, too. He said that when we do these things for others, we are doing it for

Him (see Matt. 25:40). When we share with others, we are not just sharing with them—we

are sharing with Him. When we visit others, it is as if we are also visiting Him. When we

make others feel welcome, we are making Him feel welcome, too. Surely that is why being

kind helps us to have a good feeling and to feel close to our Savior.

I can love everyone. When Jesus knew that He was about to be crucified, He gave His disciples a most

important commandment—to love one another the same way He loved them. He told them that people

would know that they were His disciples if they followed this commandment. People will know that we

are followers of Jesus Christ when they see that we are trying to love everyone.

I can serve others. Jesus spent His whole life serving others. He even gave His life for others—for us. He

taught that the greatest among us would be those who serve others as He did (see Matt. 23:11). That is

hard for some people to understand. They think that if everyone serves them, it means that they are very

important. Jesus Christ taught a better way—to serve others by helping them, by comforting them, by

treating them as He treated others.

The Miracles of Jesus Christ

By Marie Waldvogel

OPENING: Assign a song and prayer

SUGGESTED MUSIC: “Tell me the Stories of Jesus” CS #57

“I Think When I Read That Sweet Story CS# 56

“How Great Thou Art” Hymn # 86

SCRIPTURE: 2Nephi 27:23, D&C 35:8-9

LESSON: Miracles of Jesus

STORY: Miracle of the Fishes

GAME: Toss Across- With masking tape, tape out on the floor the lines for a tic-tac-toe

board. Divide the family into two teams giving each team different markers.

Using a bean bag or a rolled up sock Team A tosses the sock to a square on the

tic-tac-toe board that they want to try for. Team B then asks team A a question. If

answered correctly Team A keeps the square if not, Team B can answer a new

question for it or toss for a different Square. Play continues until one team gets

three in a row.

CLOSING: Assign a song and prayer

TREAT: “Loaves and fishes” -rolls and Swedish fish

“Water to wine” - grape juice

Additional information for older children –Talk- A God of Miracles

Miracles of Jesus

There are many miracles to discuss but only a few are mentioned here. Next time you use this lesson you can choose other miracles to discuss.

Scripture Accounts and Discussion

1. Jesus Heals the Man Sick with Palsy (Mark 2:1–12)

• What did Jesus first say to the man with palsy (uncontrollable shaking of the muscles)? (Mark 2:5.) What was the scribes’ reaction to Jesus’ remark? (Mark 2:7.) What is blasphemy? (Showing a lack of respect for God or falsely claiming to be God.) Did Jesus blaspheme? Help the children understand that Jesus can forgive sins because he is the Son of God, but the scribes did not believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

• What did Jesus say to the scribes? (Mark 2:8–9.) What did he say to the man with palsy? (Mark 2:10–11.)

• What was the people’s reaction when the man with palsy was healed? (Mark 2:12.) Why do you think this man was healed?

2. Jesus Raises Jairus’s Daughter from the Dead (Mark 5:21–24, Mark 5:35–43)

• Who was Jairus? How do we know that he had faith in Jesus? (Mark 5:22–23.) How did Jesus help Jairus keep his faith strong? (Mark 5:35–36.)

• When Jesus and Jairus came to Jairus’s house, what were some people doing? (Mark 5:38. Explain that it was the custom at that time for mourners to make a lot of noise when a loved one died.) What was the difference between what the mourners were doing and what Jairus had done?

• Why do you think Jesus sent away the unbelievers before he entered the girl’s room to heal her? (Mark 5:40.)

3. Jesus Heals the Woman with an Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25–34)

• How did the woman who touched the hem of Jesus’ garment show that she had faith in Jesus? (Mark 5:27–28.)

• How did Jesus know that the woman had touched his clothes? (Mark 5:30.) Why would it have been unusual for him to notice someone had touched him? (Mark 5:31.)

• Why was the woman healed? (Mark 5:34.) Explain that there was nothing magical about Jesus’ hem. The woman was healed because of her faith in Jesus and because it was Heavenly Father’s will. What are some miracles that happen in our lives because of simple or small acts?

Summary Discussion and Application Questions

• Why do you think Jesus performed miracles? (Matthew 9:29–30; Mark 1:41; Mark 2:5

QUESTIONS FOR THE GAME

Make up your own or use these. Cut apart and place in a bag to pull out during play.

What are the names of the four gospels? (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)

What is the meaning of the name Jesus? (Savior)

What was the first miracle that Jesus performed? (Changing water to wine)

For whom did Jesus change the water to wine? (His mother)

What occasion needed the water turned to wine? (a wedding)

How many lepers are healed and how many return to thank Jesus? (10, 2)

Name one person Jesus rose from the dead? (Jarius’ daughter or Lazarus)

How was the woman healed, who touched the hem of Jesus’ robe? (her faith and Heavenly Father’s will)

What were the mourners doing at Jarius’ house when Jesus arrived? (weeping and wailing-making a lot of noise)

What did Jesus first say to the man with palsy? (“Thy sins be forgiven thee”)

How did the people get the man with palsy to where the Savior was? (Made a hole in the roof and lowered him down)

Why were the Scribes upset by what Jesus told the man with palsy? (They did not believe that He is the Son of God)

Why did Jesus wait before raising Lazarus from the dead? (In Jewish custom it was believed that the spirit remained with the body for 3 days after death. It was necessary to establish in the minds of the people following and hearing of the miracles that Lazarus was truly dead before he was raised)

When Jesus arrived at the home of Lazarus, a good friend, and found him dead what did he do first before he raised him from the dead? (Jesus Wept)

What did Martha say was wrong with Lazarus, her brother, now that he had been dead for days? (He stinketh)

How long had Lazarus been dead before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead? (4 days)

What did Jesus heal for Bartimaeus? (Blindness)

What was wrong with the hand that Jesus healed? (Withered)

Why did Jesus need to calm the water? (the others on the ship awoke him, they were afraid of the great storm of wind)

Who else walked on water with the Savior? (Peter)

How many people did Jesus feed with the loaves and fish? (Matt 14:15-21= 5,000 men beside women and children; Matt 15:32-39= 4,000 men beside women and children)

How many loaves and how many fish fed the multitude? (Matt 14:15-21= 5 loaves, 2 fishes; Matt 15:32-39= 7 loaves, a few little fishes)

Miracle of the Fishes

Based on a true story

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive (Matt. 21:22).

“Rhoda, will you offer the blessing on the food” Mama asked.

Rhoda looked at the small potato on her plate. “But there is still so much plate showing

around my dinner,” she wanted to say but didn’t. “Yes, Mama,” she said.

Bowing her head, she began, “Heavenly Father, thank Thee for the food, and please bless it.

Watch over Daddy in England that he will find those who are looking for the truth. And please

provide food and safety for us while he is away. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”

Rhoda opened her eyes and noticed her sister, Louisa, staring at Mama’s empty plate.

“Mama, where’s your food?” Louisa asked.

“Willard is out working in the fields,” Mama replied. “When he comes in, he’s going to want

more than just water to drink.”

Rhoda could see worry lines around her sister’s eyes. “Are there no more potatoes?” Louisa

asked.

Mama shook her head. “Those are the last ones. So eat up before they get cold.”

Rhoda stared at Mama. “But Mama, what will we do for breakfast in the morning?”

“Well, in your prayer you asked the Lord to provide for us while Daddy is away,” Mama

replied. “I trust He will answer your prayer.”

“Mama!” Willard burst through the door. “Quick! The Judds have turned the canal water into

their ditches”

“Hurry, girls,” Mama said. “Buckets are outside!”

Rhoda jumped from the table, following Willard and Louisa outdoors. Each one grabbed a

large, wooden bucket and raced down the dusty path to the canal.

Even though Rhoda was only eight years old, she understood about the canal. Like a man-

made river, the canal was the source of water for all the homesteads in the area. The canal

also provided water for irrigating crops. Farmers would turn some of the water from the canal

into ditches lining their crops. Then the water would flow out of the ditches and flood the

land. But once in a while, a farmer would turn all the canal water into his ditches, leaving the

homesteads downstream without water until he finished irrigating his crops. And Rhoda knew

that even one day without water in this scorching heat would be dangerous.

When the children arrived at the canal, the water flow had already stopped, leaving a still bed

of water resting in the bottom. Rhoda filled her bucket with water, carried it back to the

house, and poured it into the large rain barrel beside the front door. Back and forth the

children ran, trying to fill the barrel before the water dried up.

“One more bucket each ought to do it,” Mama called.

Even though the sun hung low, almost touching the horizon, the dirt felt hot and gritty on the

bottoms of Rhoda’s feet. Reaching the canal, they found that the stream was now dried up,

leaving a muddy bed pocked with small, shallow pools. Rhoda jumped down into the damp

streambed, mud spurting between her toes. Reaching the edge of one of the shallow pools,

she leaned over to dip her bucket into the water. Suddenly she lost her balance and fell,

splashing into the pool.

Willard and Louisa laughed as Rhoda stood up. Her dress clung to her back and belly, and

warm water dripped down her arms and legs. When she reached down to grab her bucket,

something slippery slithered past her ankles. “Snake!” Rhoda screeched, scrambling out of the

pool.

Willard raced over, peering at the small pool.

“There!” Rhoda cried, pointing a finger at the water.

Willard’s eyes scanned the murky water. His hand circled the surface, then suddenly he thrust

his arm into the water and grabbed at something.

“It’s a fish!” Willard shouted, holding a small, wriggling fish in his palm. “I caught a fish!”

“Look! There must be more in that pool over there!” Rhoda pointed.

“And over there,” Louisa shouted, pointing at another. All the small pools of water rippled

with life.

“Let’s fill our buckets and take them to Mama,” Louisa suggested.

There was little water left in the pools and the fish swarmed in tight bunches, making it easy

for the children to snatch them up. Soon their buckets were filled and the children carried

them back to the cabin.

“Mama! Look what we found in the canal!” Rhoda called as they reached the cabin door.

“Fish? In the canal?” Mama looked confused. “There aren’t any fish in that canal.”

“There are tonight. The shallow pools are full of them,” Louisa said.

“But there have never been fish in that canal,” Mama said quietly, staring at the full buckets of

fish. “Children, this is a miracle. Just as He sent manna to the hungry Israelites, the Lord has

sent fish for us to eat.”

Reaching for Rhoda’s bucket, she continued, “And just like the children of Israel, we must

gather all we can while there are fish to catch. Go and see if there are any more, and I will

begin cleaning these and packing them in salt.”

The sun sank into the prairie grasses and a full moon lit the night as the children returned to

search for more fish. As Rhoda knelt down in the mud, she closed her eyes and spoke softly.

“Heavenly Father, thank Thee for answering my prayer and for taking care of us. Thank Thee

for sending us the miracle of the fishes.”

Cindy Law, “Miracle of the Fishes,” Friend, July 2003, 4

A God of Miracles

Sydney S. Reynolds

First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency

I believe that all of us can bear witness to these small miracles.

With Moroni of old, I believe in a God of miracles. Moroni wrote to the people of our dispensation, “Behold, I

will show unto you a God of miracles, … and it is that same God who created the heavens and the earth, and

all things that in them are” (Morm. 9:11). Moroni proclaimed that Jesus Christ did many mighty miracles, that

many mighty miracles were wrought by the hands of the Apostles, and that a God who is the same yesterday,

today, and forever must be a God of miracles today (see Morm. 9:18; Morm. 9:9).

Think of the miracles of the Old Testament. Remember Moses and the parting of the Red Sea. For all future

generations of Israelites, the great miracles that led to their deliverance from Egypt provided undeniable proof

of God’s existence and His love for them.

Many Book of Mormon prophets, including Nephi, pointed to the story of Moses to encourage faith and belief

in a God who could deliver His people in their distress (see 1 Ne. 4:1–3). Other Book of Mormon prophets

reminded the people that they themselves had witnessed miracles that should convince them of God’s power.

In the New Testament, the Apostle John shared his reason for recording many of the Savior’s miracles—

namely, “that [we] might believe that Jesus is the Christ” (John 20:31).

In this dispensation we witness the great miracle of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth.

It began when a young boy entered a grove of trees near Palmyra, New York, and poured out his heart and his

questions to a God he believed could answer him—the God of miracles. And miracles have followed in this

dispensation—mighty miracles—including the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, which is itself another

testament of Jesus Christ.

Just as important as these “mighty miracles” are the smaller “private miracles” that teach each of us to have

faith in the Lord. These come as we recognize and heed the promptings of the Spirit in our lives.

I am grateful for a teacher who encouraged his students to keep a journal of the whisperings or promptings of

the Spirit in their lives. He directed us to note what we felt and what resulted. Little things became evident.

One day I was frantically trying to complete some assignments and prepare for a trip. I had just been down to

the laundry area of the dorm to move my clothes from the washer to the dryer. Unfortunately, all the dryers

were in use, and they all had many minutes to go. I went back upstairs discouraged, knowing by the time

those dryers finished, I had to be on the road. I had barely returned to my room when I felt prompted to go

back downstairs and check the laundry again. Foolishness, I thought—I had just been there, and I didn’t have

time. But because I was trying to listen, I went. Two of the dryers were empty—and I was able to meet all my

commitments. Could the Lord possibly have been concerned about smoothing my way in such a small but, to

me, important matter? I have learned since through many such experiences that the Lord will help us in every

aspect of our lives when we are trying to serve Him and do His will.

I believe that all of us can bear witness to these small miracles. We know children who pray for help to find a

lost item and find it. We know of young people who gather the courage to stand as a witness of God and feel

His sustaining hand. We know friends who pay their tithing with the last of their money and then, through a

miracle, find themselves able to pay their tuition or their rent or somehow obtain food for their family. We

can share experiences of prayers answered and priesthood blessings that gave courage, brought comfort, or

restored health. These daily miracles acquaint us with the hand of the Lord in our lives.

My mind has been much on this topic because of an experience our family has had in the last few months. Our

daughter and her husband took a while to find each other and then, though they wanted children with all their

hearts, over a number of years had difficulty realizing that dream. They prayed and they sought priesthood

blessings and medical help, and eventually were thrilled to learn they were expecting twins.

Things did not go smoothly, however, and three and a half months before the babies were due to arrive, the

mother-to-be found herself in the labor and delivery section of the hospital. The doctors at first were hopeful

that they could stop the labor for a few more weeks. Quickly, however, the question became, would they even

have the 48 hours necessary for medication to prepare the babies’ immature lungs to function?

A nurse came in from the newborn intensive care unit to show the couple pictures of the machines the babies

would be hooked up to if they were born alive. She explained the risks for eye damage, for lung collapse, for

physical impairment, for brain damage. The couple listened, humbled yet hopeful, and then, despite all the

doctors could do, it was obvious that these babies were coming.

They were born alive. First the baby girl and then the baby boy—weighing less than four pounds together—

were rushed to the intensive care unit and put on ventilators, with umbilical tubes and intravenous lines and

constant attention. They can’t have too much light, they can’t have too much noise, their chemical balances

need constant monitoring, as the hospital, with millions of dollars of equipment and many wonderful doctors

and nurses, attempted to replicate the miracle of a mother’s womb.

There are multitudes of little miracles every day: a collapsed lung heals and then, despite the odds, continues

to function properly; pneumonia is beaten back; more deadly infections invade and are overcome; IV lines go

bad and are replaced. After two and a half months, the baby boy has gained two pounds and can breathe with

an oxygen supplement. His ventilator is gone, he learns to eat, and his grateful parents take him home with

monitors attached.

The baby girl keeps pulling her ventilator tube out, setting off alarms across the nursery. Maybe she wants to

keep up with her brother, we think, but her throat closes off each time, and she just can’t breathe on her own.

Her throat is so inflamed that at times the respiratory therapists have great difficulty reinserting the tube, and

she almost dies. Her normal progress is stymied by her continued dependence on the ventilator.

Finally, after her baby brother has been home for two months, the doctors feel they are forced to suggest

surgery for her—a surgery that will allow her to breathe by opening a hole in her throat, a surgery that might

solve the stomach problems by opening a hole in her side, but a surgery that will impact her little body for

many more months and maybe for the rest of her life. As the parents wrestled with this decision, a beloved

aunt sent a message to all the family. She explained the situation—the critical issue of timing, the importance

of getting off the ventilator—and suggested that we join our faith once again, and in prayer and fasting ask for

one more miracle—if it was the Lord’s will. We would culminate our fast with a prayer the evening of

December 3.

Let me read from a letter that was sent to the family the morning of December 4. “Dearest Family, Wonderful

news! Blessings from the Lord. Our heartfelt thanks for your prayers and fasting in behalf of our little girl.

Yesterday morning she came off the ventilator and has been off for 24 hours at this writing. To us, it is a

miracle. The medical staff are still guarded about predicting the future, but we are so grateful to the Lord and

to you. We are praying that this will mark the beginning of the end of her hospital stay. And we even dare to

hope that she’ll be home for Christmas.”

She did make it home for Christmas, and both babies are currently doing “just fine.” Our family has had its

own “parting of the Red Sea,” and we are prepared to testify that there is today, as there was yesterday and

will be forever, a “God of miracles” who loves His children and desires to bless them.

Now, we know, as you do, that all petitions to the Lord and all fasts do not receive this same hoped-for

answer. Our extended family also has faced the death of loved ones, serious illness, the trial of divorce, and

children who are choosing another path. We do not always understand the reasons behind the tests that

come with mortality. But our faith has grown, and perhaps yours has too, as we have watched loved ones,

friends, and people we know only by reputation endure with faith in the Lord the most severe trials. They, too,

know the God of miracles and witness in their extremity that whatever the future holds for them, the Lord

knows them and loves them and is blessing them. They are sealed to Him and to each other forever, and they

are willing to submit their wills to His.

How have they come to such a point? How do we access the quiet miracle that the Lord works as He

transforms us, His children, into worthy heirs of the kingdom of God? I believe it is made possible because

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not

perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). I believe it comes as we yield to the enticings of the Spirit, put off

the natural man, and are filled with the love of God (see Mosiah 3:19). “Through the Atonement of [Jesus]

Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (A of F 1:3). All

mankind—that includes me, that includes you—we can each have part in the Atonement, the greatest of all

God’s miracles.

God did part the Red Sea, and He did give us the Book of Mormon. He can heal us of our sins, and He can and

will bless us, His children, in our daily lives. I know that He lives and loves us and is today a God of miracles, in

the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Sydney S. Reynolds, “A God of Miracles,” Liahona, Jul 2001, 12–14

Treat:

Miracle of turning Water into wine (John 2 1-11)

Ahead of time freeze a small amount of water in the bottom of straws,

enough for each family member. Pour a small amount of grape drink mix

powder (like Crystal Lite) into each straw. When the time comes for treat

each family member is given a glass of water (in a glass that they can see

the change). They are carefully given a straw and as the ice at the

bottom of the straw melts the grape drink powder turns the water into

“wine”.

2 Nephi 27:23

For behold, I am God; and I am a

God of miracles; and I will show unto

the world that I am the same

yesterday, today, and forever; and I

work not among the children of men

save it be according to their faith.

Additional miracles for future discussion:

The raising of Lazarus John 11:1-44 Gospel Art Kit 222

The ten lepers Luke 17:11-19 Gospel Art Kit 221

Stilling the storm Mark 4:35-41 Gospel Art Kit 214

Many people healed Matthew14:34-36

Water into wine John 2:1-11

Evil spirits cast out Mark 5:1-20

5,000 fed Mark 6:30-44

Blind man healed Luke 18:35-43 Gospel Art Kit 213

Malchus’ ear Matthew 26:51-53 Luke 22:51

Healing at Bethesda John 5:1-9

Jesus walks on water Matthew 14:24-29, Mark 6:49-50, John 6:19-20

Jesus Heals the withered hand Matthew12:9-13, Mark 3:1-5, Luke 6:6-11

© Marie Waldvogel

Visuals to use during the telling of the story of the loaves and fishes and the miracle of the

Fishes story.

© Marie Waldvogel

JESUS CHRIST HAS THE POWER TO HEAL

Purpose: Help your family understand that Jesus Christ has the power to heal if we have faith and that

priesthood holders hold that same power today.

Preparation: Prior to family home evening print, color illustrations at the end of the story to use as a flannel

board story or on popsicle sticks.

Song Suggestion: Faith (CS p.96) or The Priesthood is Restored (CS p.89)

Lesson: Read Jesus Christ Heals a Blind Man from The Friend October 1999 using the illustrations at the end

of the story.

One Sabbath day when Jesus Christ and His disciples were in Jerusalem, they saw a man who had been blind since birth. “He [Jesus Christ] spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

“And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam. … He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.” (John 9:6–7.)

Many of the townspeople had seen this blind man sitting in his usual place, begging. When they discovered that he could see, they asked him how it had happened. After he told them, they took him to the Pharisees (religious leaders of the Jews) for an explanation of this Sabbath-day healing.

The Pharisees asked the man many questions about the healing. They were confused and argued among themselves. The leaders thought that, according to their laws, it was a sin for anyone to heal

someone on the Sabbath; they also believed that a sinner could not heal someone. Frustrated, they asked the man to repeat his story, which he did.

Feeling that their leadership was being threatened by Jesus Christ, they asked the man, “What sayest

thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He [Jesus] is a prophet.” (John 9:17.)

Not wanting to believe that this man had ever been blind, the Pharisees questioned his mother and father. “His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind” (John 9:20).

Then the Pharisees told the healed man to “Give God the praise: we know that this man [Jesus] is a sinner” (John 9:24). The man said, “If this man were not of God, he could do nothing” (John 9:33).

Angry at the man’s testimony of Jesus, the Pharisees threw him out of the synagogue and excommunicated him from their church. When the Savior heard what they had done, He went looking for the man and asked him, “Dost thou believe on the Son of God?

“He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?

“And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.

“And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.” (John 9:35–38.)

When our belief in the Savior is tested, we can let the light of our testimony shine brightly by sharing it with others as well as by setting a good example for others in choosing the right.

Activity Suggestions:

1. Have children draw a picture to illustrate the following terms priesthood—the power and authority to act for our Heavenly Father; authority—the right to use or give power; laying on of hands—part of the ordinance when a priesthood blessing is given.

2. Share a time when you personally received or witnessed a priesthood blessing and your feelings surrounding the event.

Refreshments: No Bake Cookies

• 1 3/4 cups white sugar

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup butter

• 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup crunchy peanut butter

• 3 cups quick-cooking oats

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, milk, butter, and cocoa. Bring to a boil, and cook for 1 1/2 minutes. Remove

from heat, and stir in peanut butter, oats, and vanilla. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool until hardened.

Jesus Christ has power of death

August – Week 3

Opening song: Christ the Lord Is Risen Today - Hymns #200

Opening prayer:

Testimony: Our belief is, and we so testify, that Jesus not only conquered death for himself and brought forth his own glorious resurrected body, but that in so doing he also brought about a universal resurrection. This was the end and purpose of the mission for which he was set apart and ordained in the great council in heaven, when he was chosen to be our Savior and Redeemer. This message is an edited version of an address President Romney delivered at the April 1982 General Conference - First Presidency Message - The Resurrection of Jesus - By President Marion G. Romney - First Counselor in the First Presidency

Lesson:

After suffering in Gethsemane, Jesus was arrested, bound, mocked, spit upon, scourged, and put to death on a cross. He

suffered hours of intense physical pain, then gave up His life. Because He was a God and had power over death, He did

not have to die. He chose to do it for our sakes, His spirit left His body. His body was taken down from the cross,

wrapped in a clean linen cloth, and placed in a tomb. A huge stone was rolled in front of it. On the following Sunday,

when women came to anoint Jesus’ body, the stone had been rolled away and His body was not there. He had risen! He

had taken His body again. Because Jesus broke the bands of death, after we die, we will also have our bodies again. This

is called resurrection. Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: Jesus Christ’s Atonement Is the Greatest Gift of Love,” Friend, Feb 1996, 36

Story: Tell the story of the Daughter of Jairus while the children color the coloring page. (Mark 5:21–24, 35–43);

Activity: Jesus told His friends that He would die. He also told them that He would be resurrected. Jesus did die, and He

was resurrected. Because He was, we will all be resurrected. Everyone in the world will be resurrected. Make a paper-

doll chain out of heavy paper for the younger children. Let them color each figure to represent members of their family.

Let the older children watch you construct the paper chain, then do one themselves. (Fold a piece of paper accordion-

style. Sketch one side of the figure of a boy or girl on the center of the folded paper, with arm and foot extending to the

folded edge. Cut around the figure, remembering to not cut the folded edge where the hands and feet extend.

Encourage the older children to color each doll to represent a family member.

Closing Song: How Great the Wisdom and the Love - Hymns #195

Closing Prayer:

I

Miracles come to those who have faith

Opening Song: “Dearest Children, God Is Near You”

Opening Prayer:

Discussion Question: Can anyone name a miracle that you have experienced, heard about, or

learned about in the scriptures?

Scripture: Alma 32

Dallin H. Oaks, “Miracles,” Ensign, Jun 2001

From a talk given at a Church Educational System fireside in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on 7 May 2000. Miracles happen every day in the work of the Church and in the lives of its members.

First, miracles worked by the power of the priesthood are always present in the true Church of Jesus Christ. 5 The Book of Mormon teaches that “God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles” (Mosiah 8:18). The “means” provided is priesthood power (see James 5:14–15; D&C 42:43–48), and that power works miracles through faith (see Ether 12:12; Moro. 7:37). The scriptures contain many accounts of

such miracles. Elijah’s raising the widow’s son and Peter’s healing of the lame man are two familiar examples from the Bible (see 1 Kgs. 17:8–24; Acts 3), and there are many others. I will describe some modern examples later.

A second type of genuine miracle is the miracle worked through the power of faith, without specifically invoking the power of the priesthood. Many of these miracles occur in our Church, such as by the prayers of faithful women, and many occur outside it. As Nephi taught, God “manifesteth himself unto all those who believe in him, by the power of the Holy Ghost; yea, unto every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, working mighty miracles, signs, and wonders, among the children of men according to their faith” (2 Ne. 26:13; see also 1 Ne. 7:12; James 5:15).

Activity: Choose a scripture, and act out participating in the miracle:

Exodus 14: 19-22 (parting the waters of the Red Sea)

Genesis 6-8 (Noah and the flood)

Matthew 8: 5-33 sick healed, tempest, miracles of faith)

Mark 5: 25-34 (healed by faith)

Closing Song: “I Believe in Christ” Pg. 134

Snack : )

I show love for Jesus Christ when I keep the

commandments

September – Week 1

Opening song: “Keep the Commandments” C S, page 146; Hymns, number 303

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: “Blessed is he that keepeth my commandments” (D&C 58:2).

Lesson: Judy Edwards, “Sharing Time: ‘Keep the Commandments’,” Tambuli, Apr 1994, 8

Keep the commandments; keep the commandments!

In this there is safety; in this there is peace.

He will send blessings; He will send blessings.

Words of a prophet: Keep the commandments.

In this there is safety and peace.

(Children’s Songbook, page 146; Hymns, number 303)

In July 1972 Harold B. Lee became the eleventh President of the Church. One hour after the announcement was made,

he met with newspaper and television reporters. One of them asked him if he had a message for Church members.

President Lee said: “The safety of the Church lies in the members keeping the commandments. There is nothing more

important that I could say. As they keep the commandments, blessings will come.”

Barbara A. McConochie, a Church member, was so impressed with his words that she wrote the song “Keep the

Commandments” (above) for Primary children. Its words tell us of two blessings that come from keeping the

commandments: “In this there is safety and peace.”

Sister McConochie says, “Keeping the commandments is the anchor for our safety amidst the storm. True peace will

come to each individual, family, and nation only as we learn obedience to the laws of our Heavenly Father.”

An anchor is a heavy object that sailors use aboard ships on the ocean. They lower the anchor on a chain to the ocean

floor, and it keeps the ship from drifting. Even in storms, when the ship is being buffeted by waves and wind, the anchor

keeps the ship where it should be.

We are like sailors lowering anchors when we use the commandments to keep ourselves safe. Commandments, like

anchors, help keep us secure and in the right place. Even when we feel tossed about by temptations or by the unkind

words or actions of others, the commandments can help us stay steady and safe. As we keep the commandments, we

know in our hearts that we are doing what is right and that eventually good will come. In this there is safety and peace.

Instructions

Color the picture of each commandment you keep. In the empty “bubbles,” draw, color, and label additional pictures of

commandments you keep (pray every day, go to church, pay tithing, love my neighbor, follow the prophet, keep the

word of wisdom, forgive others, and so forth).

Activity: Compare keeping the commandments to obeying traffic signals. Make some signals out of paper, or ask a

family member to act the part of a policeman directing traffic. Divide the family into groups and have them move around

the room according to the signals given them. Point out that when they obey the signals, there are no collisions.

Likewise, when they keep the commandments, they have safety and peace.

Closing Song: Love One Another - Children's Songbook #136

Closing Prayer:

Show Love For Jesus Christ

When I Keep The Commandments

Opening Song: I Feel My Savior’s Love” Children’s Songbook, page 74

Opening Prayer: _____________________________

We just sang about how we feel the love of the Savior. What are some ways that you know that the Savior loves you?

(Ask each family member to give answers to this question.)

The Savior has done many things to show us of the love He has for us. We can be sure of His love, can’t we?

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus loves us so much? Does it make you want to try

to love Him in return?

Let’s read a verse in the Bible where Jesus was teaching the people and he actually tells us how

we can show our love to Him.

Scripture: John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”

If by keeping the commandments, we show our love for Jesus Christ, what are the commandments we need to keep?

Activity: As a family, learn the song The Commandments, Children’s Songbook, page 112 (This

song is a great way to remember the 10 commandments in order.)

Have members of the family illustrate each phrase of the song with a picture they have drawn

and then learn the song using the family’s illustrations.

What are some other commandments that we have been asked to keep? (Prayer, scripture

study, attend church, follow the prophet, tithing, etc.)

How will we feel as we keep these commandments? Will we feel closer to the Savior?

Have a family member share an experience of when they have kept a particular

commandment and been blessed for it.

Activity: Have each family member make their own visual reminder of the lesson by creating

the craft entitled “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (on the following page)

As we keep the commandments, we not only show our love for the Savior, but we also draw closer to Him and become

more like Him. Keeping the commandments brings many blessings to our lives.

Closing Song: Keep the Commandments, Children’s Songbook, page 146

Closing Prayer: _____________________________

Treat: Commandment Cookies (Sugar cookies made in the shape of the ten commandments

tablets and frosted with gray frosting)

Michelle's Soft Sugar Cookies (courtesy of www.allrecipes.com)

1 cup butter

1 1/2 cups white sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons cream of tartar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1. Cream butter and add the sugar gradually. Beat until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at time,

mixing well after each addition.

2. Stir in the vanilla. Add the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt gradually to the

creamed mixture, stirring in by hand. Cover and chill dough overnight.

3. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

4. Roll dough out on a floured surface to 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick and cut into your favorite

shapes. Place cookies onto the prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) for 6 to 8 minutes or until cookie has a golden

appearance.

My love for Jesus Christ grows when I pray

September – Week 3

Preparation: Prepare these eight word strips: “Thee,” “Thy,” “Thine,” “Thou,” “Heavenly Father,” “I thank Thee,” “I ask Thee,” and “In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.” Review “The Language of Prayer,” (Ensign, May 1993, pp. 15–18). Place the word strips on the walls around the room.

Opening song: “I Pray in Faith” (CS p. 14

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou

liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the

morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God (Alma 37:37).

Story: Virginia Pearce, “Sharing Time: Alma and Amulek Teach the Zoramites to Pray,” Friend, Feb 1992, 12

But behold, I say unto that ye must pray always (2 Ne. 32:9).

A long time ago there lived a man named Alma. He was the chief judge (ruler) over his people, the Nephites. He was also the high priest over the Church. Alma was worried because the Church members cared more about their fine clothes, gold, and silver, than they did about Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father. And they did not take care of those who were hungry, poor, or sick.

Alma wanted to preach to his people in hopes that they would repent, so he selected another man to take his place as chief judge. Then he traveled to towns and cities throughout the land and preached the gospel. In one city, the Lord called a righteous man, Amulek, to accompany Alma.

One day Alma and Amulek went to the Zoramites. Among other things, the Zoramites had forgotten how to pray reverently. They had built synagogues, or churches, and in the middle of each was a tall stand, the top of which was high above the congregation. The stand was called a Rameumptom, or holy stand. One day each week, the people took turns climbing to the top of the Rameumptom. As each person reached the top, he would raise his hands toward heaven and in a loud voice repeat a boastful prayer. Each person said exactly the same prayer, then climbed down, went home, and never prayed or thought about God during the rest of the week.

Alma and Amulek taught the Zoramites who would listen to them that they could pray anytime, anywhere, that they could pray silently in their hearts, or out loud, and that they should not wait until they went to church on Sunday to pray. Amulek told them that they should pray continually—in their fields, in their homes, alone in their closets. Amulek taught them that they could pray to Heavenly Father about everything and that they should not just repeat the same words over and over again. He said that they should thank Heavenly Father for all the good things He had given them, that they should ask for the help and strength they needed, and that they should

pray for others. He knew that if they did this, they would feel more reverent toward Heavenly Father. (See Alma 4, Alma 8, Alma 31, Alma 34.)

Like the Zoramites who listened to Alma and Amulek, we need to learn how to pray reverently. We begin by addressing our Heavenly Father; we thank Him for the blessings He has given us. We may ask Him for help and guidance, for protection, and for other things that we need. We end our prayers in the name of Jesus Christ, then say “Amen.”

Lesson and Activity: Show the children a picture of the Savior praying and tell them that He is our example in all things.

Explain to them that Jesus Christ taught us how to pray.

Review Matthew 6:6–13 and discuss the pattern of prayer. Have the family members help you find the appropriate word

strips and place them in their correct order. Explain that when we address Heavenly Father, we use language that shows

our love, honor, and respect for Him. Display together “Thee,” “Thy,” “Thine,” and “Thou,” and have the children

practice using them in sentences instead of you, your, and yours.

Discuss with the family how thinking about (pondering) the many blessings the Lord has given us and about what we

need the Lord’s help for prepares us to offer a more careful, thoughtful prayer. Give each person a blank piece of paper

and a pencil or crayon. Have the older children fold the paper twice in each direction to form 16 squares. Have the

younger children fold the paper once in each direction to form four squares. In each square on one side of the paper,

have them write the name, or draw a picture, of a blessing Heavenly Father has given them. On the other side, have

them draw pictures of times when they might pray and of the things they might ask help for. Encourage them to share

this activity with their families

Activity: Help the children prepare a kit for giving a future family home evening lesson on prayer. The kit might include: (1) These words written on a card: JESUS CHRIST SAID (3 Nephi 18:18–21). (2) Two envelopes glued on a piece of paper. In the top envelope, place 14 beans, beads, kernels of corn, or pieces of paper. Each morning and evening when the family has family prayer, an object is moved from one envelope to the other; thus each week the family transfers the 14 objects from one envelope to the other. (This activity would work using any two containers.) (3) A prayer puppet as explained in Sharing Time Idea #6 for the child to use in explaining how to prepare to pray.

#6 - Younger children would enjoy making a small lunch-bag puppet. The eyes should be under the fold of the bag so that they will appear closed when the bag is folded. This will remind the children to close their eyes while praying. Glue eyelashes along the corresponding parts of the fold. Draw a nose and smile below the fold of the bag, and eyelids and eyebrows on the top of the fold. A small heart could be drawn under the smile to remind the children that praying will make them feel good; ears could be placed on the sides of the bag to remind the children to listen for answers to their prayers. After they have assembled their puppets, have them use the puppets to show how a child closes his eyes before saying a prayer, then listens afterward for an answer. Remind the children that answers come in many ways.

Instructions for the cards on the next page Cut the cards from this page and mount them on lightweight cardboard. Color the pictures on cards three and six. On card four, draw pictures of things you are grateful for. On card five, draw things you would like Heavenly Father to bless you with. To make a flip-chart to remind you of the basic parts of a prayer, punch holes in the cards where indicated, then fasten the cards together in order with string, ribbon, or metal rings.

Closing Song: “Tell Me, Dear Lord” (p. 176)

Closing Prayer:

Thee

Thy

Thine

Thou

Heavenly Father

I thank Thee

I ask Thee

In the name of

Jesus Christ,

amen.

My Love for Jesus Christ grows

when I study the Scriptures

September – Week 4

Opening song: As I Search the Holy Scriptures - Hymns #277

Opening prayer

Thought, Quote or Scripture: And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moro. 10:4–5.)

Lesson and Activity: Sydney Reynolds, “Sharing Time: Getting into the Scriptures,” Friend, Feb 1998, 36

What is your favorite scripture story? Is it Daniel in the lions’ den? Is it Nephi going back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates? Maybe you have lots of favorite stories. If you wanted to read one of those stories, could you find it in your scriptures?

When do you read your scriptures? Do you read them at night before you go to sleep? Do you read them in the morning with your family before school or play?

Do we discuss scripture stories in our family? Maybe you read the scriptures in your Primary class. Do you ever carry your scriptures to church and home again without opening them? Carrying the scriptures can make our arms strong, but reading them every day will make our spirits and minds strong.

The more we read our scriptures, the more we will come to know and love the teachings and stories that are there. If we each have our own copy of the scriptures, we can carefully underline a scripture or part of a story to help us find it again. Sometimes when we are reading, we find a scripture that speaks peace to our hearts or gives us great courage. Those are good scriptures to underline. When you read in 1 Nephi 3:7 [1 Ne. 3:7] that Nephi said, “I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded,” doesn’t it make you feel that you can be strong too?

The most important way to read the scriptures is with a prayer in our hearts that Heavenly Father will help us understand them. Moroni has promised us that we can know the scriptures are true through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Moro. 10:4–5).

Younger Children: Prepare the word strip “Treasure Hunt,” and gift wrap a set of scriptures. Post the word strip in the

front of the room and hide the wrapped scriptures. Tell the children there is a “treasure” hidden in the room. Then ask a

child to leave the room while you show everyone where the treasure is hidden. Bring the child back in the room and

have him/her look for it. Have the children guide the child to the treasure by saying “cool” or “cold” if he/she is far away

from it or “warm” or “hot” if he/she is close to it. When the child finds the treasure, have him/her open it. Discuss why

the scriptures are a great treasure to us. Ask the children to name some valuable scriptural teachings (e.g., good health,

happiness, peace, family, honor, wisdom, eternal life). The older children could look in the Topical Guide to learn what

the prophets have said about a teaching and report to the family. Younger children might draw a picture of something

that they enjoy (food, family) that represents a treasured scripture.

Older Children: The LDS edition of the King James Bible includes many things to help us improve our scripture learning. Some of these helps are the table of contents, footnotes, Topical Guide, Bible Dictionary, Joseph Smith Translation, and maps. The “Gospel Scholar Activity” will help you become familiar with them. To do the activity, you will need: the ruler-bookmark on page 37 cut out, mounted on lightweight cardboard, and trimmed; a colored pencil; the Scripture Work Sheet on page 37; and your scriptures.

1. Circle the scripture reference at the top of the Scripture Work Sheet. This quick reference tells what scriptures are on this page.

2. Just below Chapter 2 on the work sheet, read the chapter heading (in italics) and then put brackets ([ ]) around it.

3. Read Luke 2:1–17. Using the ruler-bookmark, underline your favorite part of it on the work sheet.

4. Reread Luke 2:4, and notice the small raised a before “Bethlehem.” Now look near the bottom of the page below the horizontal line. Find the chapter number “2” in bold print, then the verse number “4” in lighter print, and finally the letter a. This footnote gives more scripture references that tell about Bethlehem. Put an asterisk (*) by it. What is the Book of Mormon reference? ________________ . Look it up and read it.

Footnotes also give information such as a substitute word from another translation—Hebrew (HEB), Greek (GR), or modern (OR)—an inspired correction made by Joseph Smith (JST), or a reference to either the Topical Guide (TG) or the Bible Dictionary (BD).

5. If you wanted to find what page the book of Luke started on in your Bible, how would you find it? Look in the table of contents in the front of your Bible. What page does the book of Luke start on? _______. Near the bottom of the table of contents page is the Appendix. Use it to help you complete 6, 7, and 8.

6. Suppose you wanted to find what other scriptures say about the birth of Jesus Christ. Look in the Topical Guide under “Jesus Christ, Birth of.” Locate one of the references in your scriptures and read it.

7. Find “Bethlehem” in the Bible Dictionary. What does it mean? ________________________________.

How far is it from Jerusalem? __________________.

8. Find the Maps section, and look at Map 1, “Physical Map of Palestine.” Can you locate Jerusalem and Bethlehem on it?

Closing Song: Book of Mormon Stories - Children's Songbook #118

Closing Prayer:

Treasure Hunt

Additional Lesson material on The Scriptures

Sydney Reynolds, “Sharing Time: He’s Talking to Me,” Friend, May 1998, 36

I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning (1 Ne. 19:23).

Do you know what a multitude is? A multitude is a great number. It can refer to a great number of people. When Jesus Christ taught in Judea, great numbers of people followed after Him to hear what He had to say. He taught multitudes on the shores of Galilee. He taught multitudes on the mountain. He taught multitudes in Jerusalem. He wanted each individual person in the multitude to listen, to believe, and to decide to follow Him.

Moses taught a whole multitude in Old Testament times. He taught them the Ten Commandments. He told them, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deut. 6:5). He wanted them to keep those words close to their hearts and to teach the words to their children. Even though he was speaking to a large group, he wanted each person to hear and to do the things that he told them. And he wanted their children and their children’s children to know those things too.

To the people of his day, Nephi read from the books of Moses and also from the prophet Isaiah. Nephi said, “I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning” (1 Ne. 19:23). What does it mean to “liken” the scriptures unto us? It means that we see how our life is like the lives of the people we are reading about. If the Lord says something to those people, we know that He is saying it to us too. We can learn from the scriptures what happens when we keep the commandments—it brings happiness and peace. We can also see the sorrow that comes when people break the commandments.

The Savior’s speech called the “Sermon on the Mount” (see Matthew 5–7) is for us! We are happy and blessed when we are meek or merciful (see Matt. 5:5, 7). King Benjamin’s speech from the tower (see Mosiah 2–5) is for us! We, too, can have a mighty change in our hearts (see Mosiah 5:2). The Word of Wisdom (see Doctrine and Covenants 89) will help us find health and great treasures of knowledge. It helped the Saints who lived in Kirtland, Ohio, in 1833, and it can help us. When the prophets speak today, their message is for us and for those who come after us. And when we liken the scriptures to ourselves and listen to the Spirit, we can hear the Lord talking to us.

*******

Display several scripture storybooks and pictures, and a picture of Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Discuss how scripture stories can

help us choose the right. Ask questions such as: “What is one of your favorite scripture stories?” “Why do you like that

story?” “How can you follow the example of ___________ in the story?” Review “Bible Stories and Personal Protection,”

Dallin H. Oaks (Ensign, Nov. 1992, pp. 37–40). Discuss Elder Oaks’s experience.

Following the prophet will help

us come unto Christ

October – Week 1

Opening song: We Thank thee, O God, for a prophet (Hymns, 1985, no. 19).

Opening prayer

Thought, Quote or Scripture:

Lesson: Read of tell your family about the testimony of one of our latter-day Prophets, Ezra Taft Benson J. Ballard Washburn, “Follow the Prophet,” Friend, Oct 1991, inside front cover (Adapted from an October 1990 general conference address, See Ensign, November, 1990, pages 41–42.)

A wise man once said, “When a wrong wants righting, or a truth wants preaching, or a continent wants discovering (or, we might add, people need to be urged to read the Book of Mormon), God sends a baby into the world to do it” (See Conference Report, April 1960, page 84).

And so it was that on August 4, 1899, Ezra Taft Benson was born.

Almost 22 years later, in the summer of 1921, Ezra was called on a mission to Great Britain. He studied and worked hard, but wrote in his journal that he was disgusted with his “frail attempt at speaking.”

He was invited to speak at the South Shields Branch on the Apostasy but felt impressed to speak on the Book of Mormon, instead. He later recalled, “I spoke with a freedom I had never experienced. Afterward, I couldn’t recall what I had said, but several nonmembers surrounded me and said, ‘Tonight we received a witness that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, and we are ready for baptism.’ … I knew that the Lord was with me.” (Sheri L. Dew, Ezra Taft Benson: A Biography, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1987, page 55.)

Today, thousands have had a spiritual awakening because they are studying and following the teachings of the Book of Mormon as the prophet has asked. Thousands feel that they have received a special personal message from the prophet as he has spoken to Church members of all ages.

Thousands are better people because they have stripped themselves of pride, as counseled by this great prophet.

I bear witness that Ezra Taft Benson was born to be a prophet, has lived so that he could be a prophet, and has been called of God to be a prophet in our day.

*****

Explain that we have a Prophet today that helps us just as Prophets of old.

Tell the family members about some of the teachings of modern Prophets from the list below: Judy Edwards, “Sharing Time: Follow the Prophets,” Friend, Aug 1993, 36

Yea, I will appear unto my servants, and speak unto them with mine own voice, if my people will keep my commandments (D&C 110:8). Our prophets help us prepare to go to the temple by teaching us how to live righteous lives. Each prophet has shared his knowledge of what Heavenly Father wants us to do. If we follow their counsel, we will be worthy to someday enter the holy temple. Here are some of the things that they have told us:

Joseph Smith: We must love others, even our enemies as well as our friends.

Brigham Young: Truth is obeyed when it is loved.

John Taylor: The gospel whispers peace.

Wilford Woodruff: We need to be guided by the Spirit of God.

Lorenzo Snow: The time has now come for every Latter-day Saint … to do the will of the Lord and to pay his tithing in full.

Joseph F. Smith: I feel in my heart to forgive all men.

Heber J. Grant: I assert with confidence that the law of success, here and hereafter, is to have a humble and a prayerful heart, and to work, work, WORK.

George Albert Smith: All the people of the earth are our Father’s children.

David O. McKay: Every member a missionary!

Joseph Fielding Smith: The Church … is a world church; the gospel is for all men.

Harold B. Lee: Keep the commandments.

Spencer W. Kimball: Lengthen your stride.

Ezra Taft Benson: Read and study the Book of Mormon.

President Howard W. Hunter, …taught that the best way to follow the prophet is to try to be like Jesus Christ

President Gordon B. Hinckley: Think of the wonder of it. This is the restored Church of Jesus Christ. We as a people are

Latter-day Saints. We testify that the heavens have been opened, that the curtains have been parted, that God has

spoken, and that Jesus Christ has manifested Himself, followed by a bestowal of divine authority. Jesus Christ is the

cornerstone of this work, and it is built upon a “foundation of … apostles and prophets” (Eph. 2:20).

President Thomas S. Monson: Down through the generations of time, the message from Jesus has been the same. To

Peter and Andrew by the shores of the beautiful Sea of Galilee, He said, “Follow me.” To Philip of old came the call,

“Follow me.” … And to you and to me, if we but listen, will come that same beckoning invitation, “Follow me.”

Explain that in every age, God has spoken to His children through prophets. (See Amos 3:7.)

Closing Song: “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, pp. 110–111).

Closing Prayer:

Lesson: Sharing the Gospel Helps Others Come Unto Christ

Opening Song: “I Hope They Call Me on a Mission (CS-169)

Opening Prayer

Scripture or Testimony: Doctrine and Covenants 14:7

Lesson: Family Home Evening Resource Book, “Sharing Our Blessings”

FOR THE PARENT:

Imagine what your life would be like if you did not have the blessings of the gospel. Have you ever felt a sense

of gratitude for the blessings you enjoy each day and felt as though you wanted to share that gratitude with

someone who would listen? Have you ever experienced the warmth that floods your heart when you have

shared your feelings with others and could sense their receptiveness? That warmth was the love of Christ

burning within your soul and needing to be shared.

PREPARATION

• 1. Bring to family home evening an envelope, crayon, slip of paper, and pencil for each family member.

Also bring two large sheets of paper.

• 2. Prepare an envelope in which there is a slip of paper with the following scripture written on it: “If

you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the

greatest of all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7). Write on the outside of the envelope “Our Heavenly

Father’s Gift.”

SUGGESTED LESSON

Note: If you live in an area where there are few nonmembers, you can help a totally or partially inactive

member. These same principles apply in helping either members or nonmembers.

Identifying Our Nonmember Friends

Ask family members to pretend that the names of all the nonmember or inactive families or persons in your

neighborhood, at work, or at school are placed in a box. Your family is to pretend that they are given the

opportunity to draw a name from the box and give a gift to the family or individual whose name they draw.

Give family members pencils and paper. Have each family member write the name of the family or person

whose name he would hope to draw. Have him read the name he has written and explain why he would hope to

get that name.

The activity should help the family focus on some of the nonmembers or less active members they know.

If the family has any difficulty in naming someone, you could ask them to tell you the names of nonmember

friends with whom they associate. You could give the names of nonmembers you know at work or through

other associations in the community.

After several names have been mentioned, decide together on a family or person to whom your family would

like to give a gift.

Deciding on the Best Gift

Give each family member an envelope, and ask him to use a crayon to draw a ribbon on the envelope, making it

look like a present. On each envelope have him print the name of the family that has been chosen.

Next, have each family member write on a slip of paper what he feels would be the greatest gift he could give

to the other family. Have him place the slip in the envelope. Collect the envelopes, and read and discuss the

responses.

It will be interesting to see what the suggested gifts are. Perhaps some will be material things. Comment on

how much fun it would be to give such gifts. Some gifts may be spiritual. Point out how much more lasting

such gifts are.

In conclusion, show the envelope marked “Our Heavenly Father’s Gift.” Have the family pretend that Heavenly

Father has named the gift he would offer and placed it in the envelope. Open the envelope and read:

“If you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of

all the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7)

Explain that our Heavenly Father really does offer the glorious gift of eternal life to all of his children.

• Can Heavenly Father just give us the gift of eternal life?

• What must his children do to have this gift? (Accept his gospel, be baptized into his Church, live his

commandments, and be married for time and all eternity.)

Point out that each person has to do something to accept the gift. He has to do something for himself to

earn eternal life.

• Can our family offer the gift of eternal life to the family we have chosen to present a gift to? Why not?

• What can we give?

Redistribute the envelopes, and ask each person to write on it some blessing that the chosen family would

receive if our family could help them become members of the Church.

Talk about how these gifts could be offered. Summarize by stating that if we could give the chosen family the

opportunity to become members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we would give them the

opportunity to enjoy all these gifts on the list plus many more.

Winning Their Hearts

Remind the family of the story of Ammon who wanted to give the gift of the gospel to the Lamanites. He

understood that he would first have to do something to make them want to receive the gospel.

Either briefly retell the story of Ammon and King Lamoni (Alma 17:20-19:36), or use the story told in the

pictures and words in this lesson for your younger children:

[Ammon] had gone into the [Lamanite] country to serve a mission for the Church. He became a [servant] to

King Lamoni so that he might seek opportunities to [teach] the gospel to the [Lamanite] people. One of

[Ammon]’s duties was to tend the [flocks] of King Lamoni.

One day some [wicked men] scattered the [flocks]. [Ammon], upon seeing the scattered [flocks] and

observing the fear of the other [servant]s, recognized his opportunity to [teach] the gospel.

The [servant]s wept because of fear they would be killed. When [Ammon] saw this, his heart filled with joy.

He said, “I will show forth my power unto these my fellow-[servant]s, or the power which is in me, in restoring

these flocks unto the king, that I may win the hearts of these my fellow-[servant]s that I may lead them to

believe in my words” (Alma 17:29).

Then, acting under the inspiration of the Lord, [Ammon] encouraged the [servant]s to stop their weeping, to

gather the [flocks] once more. When this was done, the same [wicked men] came again to scatter the

[flocks]. [Ammon] said: “Encircle the [flocks] round about that they flee not; and I go and contend with

these men who do scatter our [flocks]” (Alma 17:33).

The [servant]s obeyed [Ammon]. [Ammon] then went to the watering place to protect the [servant]s and the

[flocks] from the [wicked men] who delighted in killing.

At first they fought with slings and stones. [Ammon], in mighty power from the Lord, threw his stones among

the [wicked men] and killed six of them. Not one of the [wicked men] was able to hit [Ammon], so they threw

down their slings and stones and came toward [Ammon] with clubs. As they came near him, [Ammon] raised

his sword and cut off the arms of the [wicked men] who raised their clubs against him. [Ammon] was able to

defend himself, the [servant]s, and King Lamoni’s [flocks].

After the battle was over, the [servant]s ran to the king and excitedly told their story of how [Ammon] had

saved the king’s [flocks]. King Lamoni sent for [Ammon]. He could not understand how [Ammon], a Nephite,

could be so loyal to the [Lamanite] people when the Nephites and [Lamanite]s had been bitter enemies for

many years.

[Ammon] had been faithful in his duties as a [servant]. Because of this he was able to [teach] King Lamoni,

his household, and his court the gospel. He was able to do this because he had first won their hearts with his

love, friendship, and example.

• Why was Ammon able to teach the gospel to the Lamanites?

• What must we do before this family can be taught the gospel? (Win their hearts.)

• How do we win their hearts? (We must become their friends.)

• What is the first gift we must offer? (Love.)

Planning to Give the Gift

Talk about the family you have chosen to receive your gift of friendship. Pray about the family, asking the

Lord to help you approach them at the right time and in the right way. Consider the questions and ideas listed

on the chart included in the lesson. Read and discuss the suggestions and their possibilities in your missionary

efforts. Do those things that you can do sincerely.

As you plan the activities, pray about your plan, and then get started. When you have won the hearts of your

friends, give them the opportunity to hear about the gospel. Remain friends whether or not they accept the

gospel.

ADAPTING FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN

Little children would enjoy drawing a colored ribbon on the envelope. They could name a child who does not

go to Primary. They could tell what they do in Primary and why they think their friends would like to go to

Primary with them.

They will like looking at the pictures in the story “Ammon Goes on a Mission” included in the lesson and

hearing the story.

You might also want to tell the following stories:

Primary Day

It was Sunday morning. Judy and Dwight were getting ready for church. There was a knock on the door. Judy

ran to open it. Her friends Rachel and Wally were there and wanted to know if she could play. Judy said, “No,

it’s Sunday, and I’m going to Primary. I don’t want to miss it.”

“What’s Primary?” asked Rachel.

• How would you have answered Rachel? (Allow time for answers.)

Continue the story:

“Why do you like Primary?” Wally asked.

• What would you say to Wally?

Continue the story:

Then Judy said, “Why don’t you ask your parents if you can go with us?”

“We will,” said Rachel and Wally, and they ran home.

• Do you think the parents of Wally and Rachel would let them go? (Sometimes parents say yes, and

sometimes they say no. But it doesn’t hurt to ask.)

Mary and Mrs. Johnson

“Mommy,” Mary asked as she came in the house, “who lives in the big house down the street? We don’t ever

see anyone there.”

Mother replied, “An older lady. Her name is Mrs. Johnson. She isn’t able to get around very well so she stays

at home a lot. Would you like to meet her?”

“I don’t know,” said Mary. “Is she nice?”

“Oh, yes,” said mother, “and she loves children. Maybe we could make some cookies to take to her.”

The next day Mary helped her mother make some cookies. They took them down the street to Mrs. Johnson’s

house. Mary was excited to give the cookies to Mrs. Johnson. When Mrs. Johnson answered the door, she

had a sad, tired look on her face, but she started to smile when Mary gave her the cookies.

“Oh, thank you,” said Mrs. Johnson. “These look delicious. Did you help make them?”

“Yes,” said Mary.

The next day Mary was walking down the sidewalk, and Mrs. Johnson was sitting on her porch. Mary waved,

and Mrs. Johnson called for her to come. Mary skipped over to where Mrs. Johnson was sitting. Mrs.

Johnson again thanked her for the cookies. Then she told Mary some stories about when she was a little girl.

Mary loved to listen to her. Each day she would go to see Mrs. Johnson, often taking some pictures she had

colored and some fresh peas or corn from the garden. Mary soon grew to love Mrs. Johnson, and Mrs.

Johnson loved to have Mary come. They talked about many things.

Then one day Mary asked Mrs. Johnson to come to family home evening at her house. The whole family

planned a special night. They had a good time. Mrs. Johnson felt so good to be involved, and Mary had a new

friend.

• How was Mary a missionary? (She showed love and kindness for a neighbor. She invited Mrs. Johnson

to family home evening.)

• Is there someone who lives by us that we could show love for?

Explain that all through our lives, we should tell people about the Church. Sometimes they will listen and

sometimes they won’t. But we should always try to give them the great gift of happiness and kindness. They

can be good friends.

ADAPTING FOR TEENAGERS AND ADULTS

In addition to the suggested lesson, your family might enjoy reading and discussing the following scriptures

about the responsibility and privilege we have of sharing our blessings of the gospel with others:

1. Doctrine and Covenants 123:12.

2. Doctrine and Covenants 18: 10-16.

3. Doctrine and Covenants 4: 1-7.

4. Doctrine and Covenants 88:77-83.

5. Alma 39: 10-12.

Closing Prayer

Treat: Chocolate Balls

1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk

1/4 cup cocoa

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

6 to 8 tablespoons chocolate-flavored sprinkles

Small foil or paper decorator cups

• Combine condensed milk, cocoa, and butter or margarine in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low

heat, stirring constantly, for 7 to 8 minutes or until candy forms a ball around the spoon and pulls away

from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Place chocolate

sprinkles in a small dish. Butter your hands and shape cocoa mixture into 1-inch balls. Gently roll balls in

the chocolate sprinkles and place in individual decorator cups. Cover and chill before serving. Makes

about 2 dozen balls.

We unto Christ by repenting when we make a mistake

Opening Hymn: “How Gentle God’s Commands” Page 125

Opening Prayer:

Scripture: Moroni 6:8

Mosiah 26: 29-30

Gospel Principles: Chapter 12 “The Atonement”

“Jesus Christ “came into the world… to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the

world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness; that through him

all might be saved” (D&C 76: 41-42). The great sacrifice he made to pay for our sins and

overcome death is called the Atonement. It is the most important event that has ever

occurred in the history of mankind: “For it is expedient that an atonement should be made;

for accroding to the great plan of the Eternal God there must be an atonement made, or else

all mankind must unavoidably perish;… yea, all are fallen and are lost, and must perish except

it be through the atonement” (Alma 34:9)

*Discussion: Why did Jesus come to the earth?

The Atonement Was Necessary for Our Salvation

The fall of Adam brought two kinds of death into the world: physical death and spiritual

death. Physical death is separation of the body and spirit. Spiritual death is separation from

God. If these two kinds of death had not been overcome by Jesus’ atonement, two

consequences would have resulted: our bodies and our spirits would have been separated

forever, and we could not have lived again with our Heavenly Father.

Activity: Compare our earthly bodies to a hand with a glove on it. Take off the glove. Explain

that this is like physical death- the spirt (the hand) and the body (the glove) are separated.

Closing Song: “Prayer is the Soul’s Sincere Desire” Pg. 145

Closing Prayer:

Temple Work helps us and

my family come unto Christ

October – Week 4

Opening song: I Love to see the Temple ((Children’s Songbook, 95)

Opening prayer:

Thought, Quote or Scripture: Let the hearts of all my people rejoice, who have … built this house to my name (D&C

110:6).

“Temples are places where Heavenly Father and His Spirit may dwell. Each is a house of the Lord.”2

Sister Vicki F. Matsumori, second counselor in the Primary general presidency

Lesson: Vicki F. Matsumori, “Sharing Time: I Am Glad for Many Things,” Friend, Nov 2002, 13

In the Temple, we learn about the plan of salvation. Before FHE, on separate slips of paper, write words that are opposites, such as hot/cold, light/dark, happy/sad, tall/short, sick/healthy. Hide the papers under chairs.

Review the plan, emphasizing the gift of agency—the ability to choose. In order to have agency, there must be opposites. Have the children find the papers under their chairs and affix them to the chalkboard or wall, matching the opposite word of each.

Explain that some things are not always preferable over their opposites—hot and cold, for example. However, at times, one choice is clearly more desirable than the other. We would rather be happy than sad. Sing “Smiles” (p. 267).

Explain that many things we learn in the Temple help our family to Choose the Right and come unto Christ.

The most important decision we need to make is to choose good over evil. When we Choose the Right, we are making choices that help us be worthy to go to the Temple.

Story:, “Why Are Mom and Dad Going to the Temple?,” Friend, Aug 2009, 10–11 Dawn Nelson

(Based on a true story)

The temple is a house of God, a place of love and beauty (Children’s Songbook, 95).

“Let’s go to a movie!”

“No, let’s go to the park.”

Four-year-old Noah was sitting on the floor pretending that his two cars were talking to each other when Mom peeked

into his bedroom. “Noah, when Dad gets home, he and I are going to the temple.”

Noah smiled up at her. “OK. Maybe my cars will go to the temple too.”

“Good idea!” Mom said. “If you need anything while we’re gone, ask one of your big brothers. OK?”

“All right, Mom.” Mom smiled and left. Noah sat thinking for a moment. He knew that Mom and Dad had been married

in the temple so their family could be together forever. But there was something he didn’t understand.

He got up and went to find Mom. He found her lying on her bed, reading a book. “Mom, you and Dad already got

married in the temple. So why do you keep going back?”

Mom patted the bed, and Noah climbed up beside her. “In the temple we make special promises to Heavenly Father,”

Mom said. “He promises us wonderful blessings He can only give us in the temple. But a lot of people lived and died

without a chance to go to the temple. Some of them never even knew about Jesus Christ. We go to the temple to do

temple work for those people so they can have the same blessings our family has.”

“You mean so they can be a family forever too?”

“Right,” Mom said.

Noah yawned. “You look tired, Noah. Do you want to rest here for a while?” Mom asked. Noah snuggled close to her and

closed his eyes. He thought of a beautiful temple and imagined himself as a grown-up going inside.

When Noah woke up, Mom was gone. He stretched and smiled. “Mom and Dad must have already gone to the temple,”

he thought. He slid off the bed and ran to find his brothers.

They were in the living room watching a movie. “Hi, guys!” Noah called, running in to join them.

While Mom and Dad were gone, Noah had a safe, warm feeling inside. His brothers were even extra nice to him.

When Dad and Mom walked in the front door, Noah ran to meet them. Mom picked him up and hugged him. Dad put his

big arms around both of them and gave them a giant squeeze.

Mom smiled at Noah. “Remember how Dad and I got married in the temple, Noah? Well, tonight we got married for

some people who couldn’t get married in the temple when they were alive. Now those moms and dads can be with their

families forever if they choose the right. While I was at the temple, I felt very happy that if I do what Heavenly Father

and Jesus ask me to, I can be your mom forever!”

Noah smiled. Going to the temple didn’t just help people who were dead. It made his own family happy too!

Activity: Fold the hearts in half, and glue each half to a half of a different heart (see illustration). (Note: If you want to make more than one pendant, make a pattern from the hearts before gluing them.)

Punch holes where indicated. Attach a string to each hole, then tie the strings together over the center of the pendant

so that it hangs evenly. Hang the heart where you can see it every day as a reminder to write in your journal.

Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others

For this lesson, do not try to do or use everything listed. Pick and choose what will work for your family.

All the ideas listed below will be able to reinforce the lesson topic.

Songs • Mosiah 2:17 (see attached scripture song or view link) a)Sheet Music b) Audio

c)Video • Called to Serve #249 HS • Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel #252 HS • Give, Said the Little Stream #236 PS • I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus #78 PS

PS = Primary songbook FS = Traditional familiar children’s song HS = Hymns

Scripture Quotes & Stories

• Mosiah 2:17 King Mosiah’s speech--When you are in the service…

• Luke 10 The story of the Good Samaritan

• John 13:3-10 The story of Jesus washing the disciples feet.

• 2 Samuel 16:19 Who to serve?

Stories

• The Lion & the Mouse (Aesop’s Fables)

• Lowell M. Snow learned a skill that he was able to use throughout his life to serve, “Playing the Hymns”Friend, May 2009

Games

• Out of Place Bingo—Print off as many sheets as there are able family members. You can serve others as you play by not worrying about whether or not the item belongs to you. http://www.youpublish.com/files/14770/Out-of-Place-Bingo

• Write the word service at the top of a blank sheet of paper. Together as a family, see how many service-oriented words you can generate that start with each letter of the word service. For example, S = send a card or sort the laundry. E = empty the trash, erase the chalkboard R = read a book to someone who can’t do it themselves… Once you have thought of a bunch of ideas, go do a few.

Outings

• Visit someone in the hospital

• Sing songs for folks at a nursing home

• Cook a family a complete meal and take it to them.

Activities

• Decide together what things your family can donate to needy people.

• Write letters to missionaries or people serving in the military.

• Make a care package for someone that is sick, lonely, or just needs a good dose of love. Include some of these things in the package and brainstorm for your own ideas.

o An uplifting homemade card

o A favorite treat

o A poem

o Fun pictures

o Cartoons

o A small present

o A home crafted story

o A small poster with a scripture written on it in pretty writing and decorated colorfully by a child. They can hang

this in their home for a quick pick-me-up

o A news article that might interest them

o Music

Refreshment Ideas

1. Make homemade cookies together. Fix several foil covered paper plates and

deliver anonymously to friends to brighten their day. (The kids love to doorbell ditch

treats--it gets really interesting when the little ones want to try it too since their little

legs don't go as fast. But, it is all in fun, so does it really matter if they get caught?)

2. Make any kind of rolled cookie dough. Roll the dough in the shape of the letters of

the word service. Bake. Each family member can enjoy 1 letter each.

Possible Discussion Questions

• Why does the Lord ask us to serve?

• Do we get any blessings from serving?

• What can we learn from serving?

• Who should we serve?

• How does this fit in with the plan of salvation?

• Who is someone you know that is good at serving? Would you like to be more like them?

• How is your faith strengthened through service?

• What is your favorite part about serving someone in need?

Reference List

o See internet links on each section. o www.lds.org o Go here for more song possibilities. (More songs on this topic may be

added over time.) o Refer to www.completelee.com for more information. o Email publish@completelee.com with questions.

Jesus Christ taught me to serve others

Opening song: Because I Have Been Given Much p.

Scripture: Mosiah 2:17

Lesson:

Jesus loved serving others. He was the perfect example of service. He knew that He came to earth to serve others, not to be served. Do you think it is odd that the Master served others? Master and servant are opposite words. You might think it is surprising that the greatest masters are those who serve.

During Jesus’s mortal life, He served the poor. He taught the gospel. He fed crowds of hungry people. He washed His disciples’ feet. He healed the sick and even raised the dead.

Jesus taught the importance of service. When He comes to earth again, He will say to the righteous: “I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35–36).

Jesus said the righteous will not remember doing any of those things for Him. Then He will tell them, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). When we serve each other, we are also serving Him.

You can serve the Lord by serving those around you. You do not have to do something big to serve others. A smile can gladden a friend’s heart. Speaking a kind word, helping a brother or sister, obeying your parents—all are ways you can serve. When we willingly serve, we become more like Christ, and our faith grows.

read story Ben’s Busy Day

Michelle Lehnardt, “Ben’s Busy Day,” Friend, Jan 2005, 41

(Based on experiences of the author’s family) When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God (Mosiah 2:17).

Ben was angry. It was Saturday morning, and he had just come home from a violin rehearsal. He had a list of chores to do, a violin performance that afternoon, and now something more—his dad had just told him that it was his family’s turn to clean the church.

“I’m not going to have any time to play!” he declared as he threw his jacket on the floor.

Dad sat down with Ben at the kitchen table and said quietly, “I know this is a busy day. But it might be easier if you remember who your time really belongs to.”

Ben calmed down. He knew he was a child of God and that everything—even time—was a gift from Heavenly Father. He nodded slowly.

Dad smiled. “Go get a Book of Mormon, Ben. I want to show you something.”

Dad opened the scriptures to Mosiah 2. “You remember King Benjamin, don’t you?” Ben grinned. He liked to hear stories about the ancient prophet whose name he shared.

“King Benjamin wanted to teach his people how to be happy. He built a tower so people could hear him better, and the people gathered from all around. It was a lot like general conference. He stood on the tower and reminded the people that their homes, families, bodies, and even the air around them were gifts from a loving Heavenly Father.

“He also told his people that he had worked very hard his whole life serving them. He said, ‘And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.’ ”*

“You see, Ben,” Dad concluded, “when you are helping other people, you are helping Heavenly Father. If Jesus appeared to you this morning and asked you to serve Him all day, you would probably be pretty excited about it. If you think about it, Jesus has already asked us to serve Him every day.”

Ben was almost convinced, but he had a question. “I can see how working helps others, but how does playing my violin serve anyone?”

Dad smiled wisely. “Why don’t you wait and see?”

As Ben started doing his chores, he realized that the work needed to be done, so he might as well be cheerful in doing it. He soon noticed how happy it made his mom when he worked without complaining.

Later, when Ben went to the church to help clean, he had fun racing his brother as they vacuumed the cultural hall. He thought about how a spotless church shows respect to Heavenly Father. And cleaning didn’t seem to take as long as he thought it would.

The violin performance was at a home for older people. At first Ben felt nervous. Most of the people were in wheelchairs, and many of them looked like they were asleep. But as Ben began to play his violin, he noticed a white-haired lady in the front row. She was tapping her foot to the music. Ben tried to play his very best just for her. He played a fast fiddling song, and everyone began to clap their hands and stomp their feet. Soon everyone was laughing and smiling.

The last song was “I Am a Child of God.”** Ben played better than he ever had before. As the final notes sang out, a sweet and peaceful feeling settled over the room.

Ben understood now. Beautiful music brings people closer to Heavenly Father, and he was serving others by inviting the Spirit. As he sat down, Dad squeezed his shoulder. “When you play your violin, I can feel Heavenly Father’s love for me. You have a great gift and you need to keep sharing it.” Ben felt warm inside.

As they walked out of the rest home, Ben waved good-bye to his new friends.

“How do you feel now?” Dad asked.

“I feel so good, Dad. I thought today would be nothing but work. But when I thought about serving Heavenly Father instead of myself, everything seemed easier.”

What are some things that we can do as a family to serve others?

Activity:

Make a list of things that your family can do to serve others (example: pick up trash in the

neighborhood, invite someone to dinner or FHE, bring a neighbor some goodies, etc.)

On a sheet of paper, list everyone in the family’s name down the side of the paper. For each name

come up with 5 things you could do to serve that person. (example: Mom- make her bed, read to a younger

sibling, etc.) Put everyone’s name in a hat. Have each person choose a name from the hat. Spend the next

week doing an act of service a day for the person whose name you drew. Use ideas from the list or come up

with your own.

(Optional: In our family, we used cotton balls to fill up a mason jar each time we did an act of service, we put a

cotton ball in the jar- I have little kids so it was a way to get them excited about service. Once we filled the jar,

we went to Coldstone as a family and let them “serve” us up an ice cream treat)

Report how the service went and how it made you feel at the next FHE.

Closing song: When we’re helping we’re happy.

Treat: Serve your family ice cream sundaes with hot fudge topping. Don’t forget the sprinkles!

Primary Theme 2010

When I serve my family, I serve God.

Family Home Evening Lesson for YOUNG Children:

Opening Song: When We are helping we are happy (for younger children)

Closing Song: Where Love is

Lesson (for younger children):

Show pictures (2) of children playing together kindly. Remind children that when we treat others, especially

in our family, we are being kind like Heavenly Father and Jesus want us to.

Ask the children what they can do, at home, to show Kindness to our family. (examples could be: help siblings

with chores, clean up after yourself and others, helping Mommy and Daddy.

Sing: Jesus said Love Everyone

Tell the story of the Good Samaritan (in own words). (Luke 10:25-37). (ie: One day there was a man who was lying on the ground (point to the injured man in the picture). He was hurt. Two men walked by. They saw him, but they did not help. A third man came (point to the good Samaritan in the picture). He saw the man lying on the ground, and he helped him. He showed love) Ask the children, again, what they can do, at home, to show kindness to our family. (same as above). Role Play:

Tell the children that Jesus said we should show love too. Invite them to go on a pretend walk, and give them opportunities to pretend to show love for others. For example:

• Let’s go for a walk (walk in place). Look, there’s your brother who fell down. Let’s help our brother stand up (pretend to help him stand up). Let’s keep walking. We see sister who is thirsty. Let’s give our sister a drink of water (pretend to give a drink). Let’s keep walking. We see our mommy and daddy. Let’s give them a hug and say, “I love you” (hug self and say, “I love you”).

Conclusion:

Pass out bookmarks. Encourage each child to think of and draw pictures or write of an act of service they can perform for the family. Remind them that doing service for their family members draws them closer together.

Family Home Evening Lesson for Older Children:

When I serve my family, I serve God.

Opening Song: Love at Home

Opening Prayer: Where Love is

Object lesson: Have someone strike a harmonious chord on the piano, guitar, or other musical instrument. Invite the family to notice the beauty of the notes as they blend together. Have the family member strike another chord with one or more discordant notes.

Discussion

• • How is family harmony like the two chords just played? • • What makes musical notes harmonious? • • What makes families harmonious? • • Why can’t something or someone have harmony by itself or herself?

Explain that if everyone is working together in love and unity, our families will be as harmonious and pleasing as the first chord. Everyone must do her part to make the notes blend or to have family harmony. If one note or one person is out of tune, the whole chord or the whole family suffers.

Showing Love to Our Families Promotes Love and Harmony in the Home

Scripture and discussion

Invite a family Member to read Matthew 22:36–39. Ask someone to explain who our neighbors are, according to the Savior. Discuss why we should also consider our own family members as neighbors. Then consider with the young women how they can show love to their families. Bring out the following points in the discussion:

1. We can express our love in words and acts of cheerfulness, kindness, helpfulness, and thoughtfulness. 2. We can respect our family members and their need for privacy. 3. We can observe common courtesy. 4. We can communicate and listen to what each person has to say. 5. We can give praise and be genuinely happy when a family member achieves or excels at something. 6. We can be willing to share unselfishly. 7. We can be loyal to our family. 8. We can be aware of our family members’ needs and be understanding.

Case studies

Print out the Case Studies and place them in a basket or Jar. Have the family member take turns pulling them out and figuring out a good resolution.

1. You have wanted your own copies of the standard works for as long as you can remember. Your sister, who has not shown much interest, receives a set for Christmas. How does this make you feel? How can you show love to your sister and to your parents?

2. Your dad comes home from work tired, discouraged, and grumpy. How can you show love to him?

3. Your brother receives a perfect report card and announces to everyone that yours was not quite as good. How can you show love to him?

4. You find your older sister’s diary open on her bed with your brother busily reading it. How can you show love to your inquisitive brother and to your sister?

5. Your mother has the flu. You have plans to go to the movies with your friends. How can you show love to your mother?

6. Your best friend says to you, “Your little brother is the most annoying boy I know.” How can you show love and loyalty to your little brother and to your friend?

7. Your sister is entertaining her friends and asks you to leave. How do you feel? How can you show your sister that you still love her even after she has hurt your feelings?

8. You have just spent two hours fixing a special dessert for your family as a family night surprise. Your mother comes home and says, “You’ve made a horrible mess of this kitchen. Clean it up!” How does this make you feel? How can you show love to your mother?

One Person Can Make a Difference

Story

Read the following story. As the story is read, ask family members to notice ways in which Janet first hindered family harmony, then helped to unite and strengthen her family.

“Janet had always been a wonderful child to live with. When she went away to college, we missed her terribly. We had been almost sorry when she was accepted first as a counselor, then as director of a summer camp for girls. For almost four years she’d been home only on weekends and occasional holidays. Now she was coming home to live and teach at a local high school. We were thrilled.

“But somehow things weren’t working out at all as we expected. Janet was under a great deal of pressure with her new responsibilities. She had a very hard time teaching and disciplining students just four or five years younger than she was. She was discouraged and upset, and the constant confusion and clamor in a house filled with many children added greatly to her frustration and irritability. As soon as she came home, she went immediately to her room, coming out only for meals or to scold the children for disturbing her study. I found myself sending the children’s friends, who had always been welcome in our home, somewhere else to play. And I realized I was constantly telling our own family to be quiet, even in their normal activities, so as not to bother Janet.”

Discussion

• How do you think Janet’s actions made the family feel?

Story

Continue the story:

“Family members, who but a few weeks before had been eager for Janet’s return, were openly wishing she’d go away again. Their resentment was creating an unhappy spirit in our home, and I was at a loss to know what to do. I was sympathetic with Janet’s unhappiness and anxiety, yet equally sensitive to the needs and feelings of the other children.”

Discussion

• What do you think the mother in the story should do?

Story

Continue the story:

“My gentle efforts to talk over the problem with Janet reduced her to tears of remorse and helplessness. She simply did not know how to cope with the problems in her life. We decided to make it a matter of fasting and prayer.

“Miraculously and almost immediately, a change came over Janet. Instead of closeting herself in her room, she made herself a part of family activity once again. She became our peacemaker. Whenever there was a problem in the house, it was her quiet, calm approach that soon brought peace to our household again. If I left my room in the morning without making my bed, it would be made when I returned. She helped the boys with their math problems and drilled the girls with their spelling words as she helped them do the dishes. Whenever someone was having a hard day or had had a disappointment, we would find her talking to him quietly in a corner and encouraging him until the sad heart was lifted up again. Several times I found notes she had written to different members of the family telling them that she loved them and thought they were wonderful. I could tell in each case that she was helping them in a difficult situation.

“I told Janet often how much I appreciated her influence in the family. One day I asked if she wanted to share what had brought about her sudden transformation and the beautiful attitude she had shown to all of us. I will never forget her answer. She said, ‘You remember, Mother, that day we’d been fasting and praying about my problems and the unhappiness I was causing the family? Well, that night I picked up my Bible and it fell open to 1 John. Two verses seemed to stand out from the page.’ She opened her Bible and read them to me. ‘ “He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes” (1 John 2:10–11).

“ ‘I realized that I was trying to solve my problems in entirely the wrong way,’ she said, ‘groping around in the darkness with blinded eyes. I’ve been reading the scriptures every day since then, and it seems that there’s hardly a page that doesn’t talk about loving, about being one and living in peace. Mother, the scriptures have changed my whole life.’ Indeed, they had changed her life and in doing so had changed the life and spirit of our entire family.”

Discussion

• • After hearing this story, do you think that you could help to make a change for the better in your own family? How?

Lesson Application

Give each family member a piece of paper and a pencil, and tell your family to assume that they have only one week left to spend with each other. Have them identify one thing they could do to show their love and improve the harmony in their family. Ask them to write it down and during the next week put it into practice as if it were indeed their last week with each other. Invite each family member to share their experiences during next weeks FHE lesson.

Testimony – Bear testimony of the importance of service to the Family!

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

Supposing today were your last day on earth,

The last mile of the journey you’ve trod;

After all of your struggles, how much are you

worth,

How much can you take home to God?

Don’t count as possessions your silver and gold,

Tomorrow you leave these behind,

And all that is yours to have and to hold

Is the service you’ve given mankind.

(Anonymous, as quoted by David O. McKay

FLANNELBOARD PHOTO FUN

Submitted by: Christi Clock, a teacher at Epworth Nursery school in Indianapolis, Indiana

Skills/Objective: Language development, self-awareness

What You Need:

• photographs of individual children • flannel board • clear contact paper • self-sticking velcro

What You Do:

1. Cut out individual pictures of each child. 2. Cover them with clear contact paper. 3. Attach velcro to the back. 4. At circle time or with a few children, sing this song: (To the tune of "Where is Thumbkin?") "Where is Sarah,

where is Sarah? Here she is, here she is. (Put the picture of that child on the flannel board.) Here is a picture, of our friend Sarah. She's our friend, we like her!

5. Repeat for all the children.

© Christi Clock

For the story – you can change out the names and use YOUR family members instead – just use their

pictures. ☺ Same with the Case Studies.

Refreshments: Have everyone help each other make their own Lady Bug treats

"Red apples are decorated to look like lady bugs. This is a quick and fun snack that kids will enjoy making and eating. For

once kids can play with their food."

INGREDIENTS

• 2 red apples

• 1/4 cup raisins

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter

• 8 thin pretzel sticks

DIRECTIONS

1. Slice apples in half from top to bottom and scoop out the cores using a knife or melon baller. If you have an

apple corer, core them first, then slice. Place each apple half flat side down on a small plate.

2. Dab peanut butter on to the back of the 'lady bug', then stick raisins onto the dabs for spots. Use this method to

make eyes too. Stick one end of each pretzel stick into a raisin, then press the other end into the apples to make

antennae.

If I only have one week left to be

with my family – how will I show

my love and improve the

harmony in my family. . .

If I only have one week left to be

with my family – how will I show

my love and improve the

harmony in my family. . .

When I serve my neighbors I serve God

November – Week 4

Opening song: Each Life That Touches Ours for Good - Hymns #293

Opening prayer

Thought, Quote or Scripture: When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God

(Mosiah 2:17).

Lesson: Elizabeth Ricks, “The Master Served,” Friend, Sep 2007, 12–14

Jesus loved serving others. He was the perfect example of service. He said, “I am among you as he that serveth”

(Luke 22:27). He knew that He came to earth to serve others, not to be served. Do you think it is odd that the Master

served others? Master and servant are opposite words. You might think it is surprising that the greatest masters are

those who serve.

During Jesus’s mortal life, He served the poor. He taught the gospel. He fed crowds of hungry people. He washed His

disciples’ feet. He healed the sick and even raised the dead.

Jesus taught the importance of service. When He comes to earth again, He will say to the righteous: “I was an

hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and

ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me” (Matthew 25:35–36).

Jesus said the righteous will not remember doing any of those things for Him. Then He will tell them, “Inasmuch as

ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40). When we

serve each other, we are also serving Him.

You can serve the Lord by serving those around you. You do not have to do something big to serve others. A smile

can gladden a friend’s heart. Speaking a kind word, helping a brother or sister, obeying your parents—all are ways

you can serve. When we willingly serve, we become more like Christ, and our faith grows.

Scripture Parable: Luke 10:25–37 But a certain Samaritan … had compassion on him, and went to him, and bound up his wounds, … and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Luke 10:33–34

A lawyer asked Jesus, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 10:25). Jesus asked him what was written in the scriptures, and the lawyer answered, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself” (Luke 10:27; see also Luke 10:26).

Jesus told the lawyer that he would have eternal life if he obeyed this command, but then the lawyer asked, “Who is my neighbour?” (Luke 10:29; see also Luke 10:28). To answer the lawyer’s question, Jesus told the story of a man who was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. On the way, he was attacked by thieves who took his clothes, beat him, and left him half dead. A priest came along and, seeing the injured man, passed by on the other side of the road. Then a Levite came by, but he also passed on the other side of the road to avoid the man. (See Luke 10:30–32.)

Finally, a Samaritan came by and stopped to help the hurt man, washing and wrapping his wounds. The Samaritan put the man on his own animal, took him to an inn, and stayed with him through the night. The next day, the Samaritan gave the innkeeper money and said, “Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee” (Luke 10:35; see also Luke 10:33–34).

Jesus then asked the lawyer which of the three travelers was a good neighbor to the injured man (see Luke 10:36). The lawyer replied that the Samaritan was because he had cared for the man, and Jesus said, “Go, and do thou likewise” (Luke 10:37).

Summary

In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus told about a traveler who was attacked by thieves and left half dead. A priest and then a Levite saw the hurt man, but each of them passed by without helping. Finally, a Samaritan came by and stopped to help the man. He bandaged the man’s wounds and carried him on his own animal to an inn. The Samaritan left money with the innkeeper for the man’s care. This story shows us what it means to follow the commandment to love our neighbors.

Activity: Instructions You can learn ways to become a good neighbor by playing the game on the next page. Use buttons or small stones

for markers. Write numbers 1–6 on small pieces of paper and put them into a bag. To play the game, shake the bag

and draw a number. Move your marker the number of spaces indicated. If you land on a space showing good-

neighbor activities, you move ahead to where the solid arrow points. But if you land on a space showing things you

should not do, you must follow the broken arrow and move backward. Continue playing the game until each player

becomes a good neighbor.

Closing Song: Jesus Said Love Everyone. (CS 61)

Closing Prayer

Jesus Christ Came to Earth as Promised by the Prophets

Preparation – Copy Prophets foretold Christ’s Birth handout (one per person) from Primary 6 Manual

Coloring Crayons or Colored Pencils

Picture- Birth or Christ (Gospel Arts pictures or Gospel Art Book)

Nativity Set (for younger children)

Scriptures (for everyone)

On small slips of paper write gifts that Heavenly Father has give us – put them in small boxes

and wrap them like gifts.

Opening Song - Sing “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, p. 36)

Opening Prayer

Lesson - Many prophets in the Bible and Book of Mormon foretold Jesus Christ’s birth and ministry hundreds of

years before the actual event

We can find the prophesies in the scriptures.

Give everyone a copy of the coloring picture “Prophets foretold Christ’s Birth”. Micah, Nephi, Alma and Samuel the

Lamanite are a few of the men who prophesied of the coming of Jesus Christ.

Take turns reading the prophecies that foretold the birth of Jesus Christ. After you read the scripture reference;

color the picture that coincides with that prophet.

• Isaiah 7:14—Isaiah prophesies that a pure young woman will give birth to God’s son.

• Isaiah 9:6—Isaiah prophesies that Jesus Christ will come as a baby; Jesus is described by several names.

• Micah 5:2—Micah prophesies that Jesus will be born in Bethlehem.

• 1 Nephi 11:18–21—Nephi prophesies that the Son of God will be born to a virgin.

• Alma 7:9–10—Alma prophesies that Jesus will be born to Mary.

• Helaman 14:1–6—Samuel the Lamanite prophesies of the signs at Jesus’ birth.

• 3 Nephi 1:4–21—On the night of Jesus’ birth, there was no darkness in America and a new star rose.

For younger children: Attach a piece of paper with the prophet or the scripture reference for the prophecy to the

bottom of the nativity scene pieces. Let the children choose a piece and then read the scripture with them.

For older children: Read the following scriptures

• Matthew 2:2—A new star appeared in Israel. (Star)

• Matthew 1:18–23—Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled. (Baby Jesus)

• Matthew 2:4–6—The scribes knew that Bethlehem was the prophesied birthplace of the Messiah. (Manger)

• Luke 1:26–31—A virgin named Mary will be the mother of Jesus Christ. (Mary)

• Luke 2:4–7—Jesus is born. (Stable)

Heavenly Father has given us many great gifts. One of the most important was the birth of the Savior. Let the

children share their favorite parts of Christmas. Then have them open the wrapped boxes and discuss the gifts inside

that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have given them. Sing appropriate Christmas hymns as you open the gifts.

Just like the prophets in the Book of Mormon and Bible have given us information about the birth of Christ our

prophet today has given us advice about the importance of remembering the gifts God has given us. President

Thomas S. Monson has said: “For a few moments, may we set aside the catalogs of Christmas, with their gifts of

exotic description. Let’s even turn from the flowers for Mother, the special tie for Father, the cute doll, the train that

whistles, the long-awaited bicycle—even the books and videos—and direct our thoughts to God-given gifts that

endure.”1

Closing Song - “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Songbook, p. 42) or read the words to “For Unto Us a Child is

Born”

Closing Prayer

Refreshment - Hot Chocolate with marshmallows and candy cane. Serve with star shaped sugar cookies.

Jesus Christ Came to Earth as Promised by the Prophets Sydney Reynolds, “Sharing Time: God Tells His Prophets,” Friend, Jan 1998, 12

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets (Amos 3:7).

If God himself told His prophet something that the whole world needed to hear, but that prophet lived long ago or far away, how could we get the message? Answer: The prophets carefully wrote it down for us; we can find it in books and other writings called scriptures. The scriptures are the word of God revealed to prophets.

Hundreds of years before Jesus Christ was born, many Old Testament prophets promised the people that a Messiah (Savior) would come. Isaiah prophesied that a Child would be born (see Isa. 9:6). Micah said He would be born in Bethlehem (see Micah 5:2). Zechariah knew that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, would be betrayed for thirty pieces of silver (see Zech. 11:12–13).

The New Testament was written by prophets who lived about the same time as Jesus Christ. Many heard Him teach, saw Him crucified, and talked with Him after His resurrection. They knew that He was the Son of God (see Matt. 16:16).

Book of Mormon prophets wrote a long record of their people who came to the Americas. They also wrote about Jesus Christ. Nephi saw much of the Savior’s life in a vision (see 1 Ne. 11:13–33). Alma prophesied that Jesus Christ’s mother’s name would be Mary (see Alma 7:10). Samuel the Lamanite prophesied that a new star would shine at Christ’s birth (see Hel. 14:2, 5). When the Savior visited the Nephites, the prophets wrote all that they could about what He taught them (see 3 Nephi 17). They wrote so that they could share it with us.

After Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, the Lord gave him other revelations, which are now included in the Doctrine and Covenants and the Pearl of Great Price. These books contain important information about Jesus Christ and powerful testimonies that He lives (see D&C 76:22–24).

The Lord tells His prophets many things that we need to know—how to live, how to repent, what will happen in the future. But the most important thing the scriptures teach us is that Jesus is the Christ. Every prophet bears testimony of Him.

Karen Ashton, “Sharing Time: The Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ’s Birth,” Friend, Dec 1997, 14

Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world (3 Ne. 11:10).

From the time of Adam, righteous men looked forward to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The prophets taught that Jesus Christ would come to save all of Heavenly Father’s children from death. They also taught that through the Atonement of Jesus

Christ, men could be forgiven of their sins and return to Heavenly Father. Many of the prophets knew of the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ, long before it happened.

Isaiah, a mighty prophet of the Old Testament, spoke of the Savior’s birth: “For unto us a child [Jesus Christ] is born, unto us a son [the Son of God] is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Lehi, a prophet of the Book of Mormon, fled Jerusalem with his family. He wandered for many years in the wilderness, endured much affliction, and inherited from God a promised land. He prophesied, as his son Nephi recorded it, that “Six hundred years from the time that my father left Jerusalem, a prophet would the Lord God raise up among the Jews—even a Messiah, or, in other words, a Savior of the world” (1 Ne. 10:4).

Nephi prayed to see and understand the vision his father, Lehi, had received. In answer to his prayer, an angel of the Lord showed him the birth, ministry, and crucifixion of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Nephi said, “I looked and beheld the virgin [Mary] again, bearing a child in her arms.

“And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God [Jesus Christ], yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Ne. 11:20–21.)

Samuel the Lamanite, another prophet of the Book of Mormon, stood boldly upon the wall at Zarahemla. He had been sent by the Lord to call the wicked Nephites to repentance and to foretell the Savior’s birth. He cried with a loud voice, “For five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name” (Hel. 14:2).

When the Savior, Jesus Christ, was born, the prophecies were fulfilled. The time that all the holy prophets had waited for had finally come. An angel appeared to shepherds while they watched their flocks. The angel spoke to the shepherds, saying, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11.)

Jesus Christ,The Savior of the World

Welcome:

Opening song: This Is My Beloved Son - Children's Songbook #76

Opening prayer:

Family business:

Lesson:

“The greatest dilemma in the entire universe consists of two facts. We can read about the first in Doctrine and Covenants 1:31: “I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance.” [D&C 1:31] That means he can’t stand it; he can’t blink, or look the other way, or sweep it under the rug. He can’t tolerate sin in the least degree.

The other side of the dilemma is very simply put: I sin, and so do you.

If those were the only two parts of the equation, we would have to conclude that we, as sinful beings, cannot be tolerated in the presence of God.

But that is not all there is to the equation. The Atonement of Christ is the glorious plan by which this dilemma can be resolved. I would like to share [an experience from my own family that illustrates] how the Atonement works to solve this great dilemma.

I recalled something that had happened in our family just a couple of months earlier. We call it the parable of the bicycle.

After I had come home one day, I was sitting in a chair reading the newspaper. My daughter Sarah, who was seven years old, came in and said, “Dad, can I have a bike? I’m the only kid on the block who doesn’t have a bike.”

Well, I didn’t think I could afford to buy her a bike, so I tried to stall her by saying, “Sure, Sarah.”

She asked, “How? When?”

I said, “You save all your pennies, and pretty soon you’ll have enough for a bike.” And she went away.

A couple of weeks later as I was sitting in the same chair, I was aware that Sarah was doing something for her mother and getting paid. She went into the other room, and I heard “Clink, clink.” I asked, “Sarah, what are you doing?”

She came out and showed me a little jar all cleaned up with a slit cut in the lid and a bunch of pennies in the bottom. She looked at me and said, “You promised me that if I saved all my pennies, pretty soon I’d have enough for a bike. And, Daddy, I’ve saved every single one of them.”

My heart was filled with love for her. She was doing everything in her power to follow my instructions. I hadn’t actually lied to her. If she saved all of her pennies, she eventually would have enough for a bike, but by then she would want a car! Her needs weren’t being met. So I said, “Let’s go downtown and look at bikes.”

We went to every store in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Finally we found it—the perfect bicycle. She got up on that bike, and she was thrilled. But when she saw how much the bicycle cost, her face fell, and she started to cry. She said, “Oh, Dad, I’ll never have enough for a bicycle.”

So I said, “Sarah, how much do you have?”

She answered, “Sixty-one cents.”

“I’ll tell you what,” I said. “You give me everything you’ve got and a hug and a kiss, and the bike is yours.” She gave me a hug, a kiss—and the sixty-one cents. I paid for the bicycle. Then I had to drive home very slowly because she wouldn’t get off the bike; she rode home on the sidewalk. And as I drove along slowly beside her, it occurred to me that this was a parable for the Atonement of Christ.

We all want something desperately—something far more than a bicycle. We want the celestial kingdom. We want to be with our Father in Heaven. And no matter how hard we try, we come up short. At some point we realize, “I can’t do this!” ... At that point, we taste the sweetness of the gospel covenant as the Savior proposes, “All right, you’re not perfect. Give me all you have, and I’ll pay the rest. Give me a hug and a kiss—that is, enter into a personal relationship with me—and I will do what remains undone.” Stephen E. Robinson, “Believing Christ,” Liahona, Apr 1992, 14

Activity: (need chocolate syrup-the kind used for chocolate milk, a shower, everyone in bathing suits, and towels!) Have everyone step into the shower. Tell them that in life we sometimes make mistakes (squirt them on the arm or leg with chocolate syrup). As much as you try to wipe it away, you can’t remove it all by yourself (have them try to wipe it off using their hands-they can take off some but there is always some left behind, and it’s all over their hands!). We need help to completely remove sin (turn on the shower). Jesus Christ is like the water from the shower. Alone we cannot remove all the syrup, or sin, from ourselves, but with Jesus Christ’s atonement we can become clean again and return to live with Him and our Father in Heaven. (note: We did this activity 6 years ago and my kids still talk about how fun it was and how they remember being sticky and yucky and then so clean after the water washed away the syrup. They remember that the atonement can make their spirit feel just as clean as their bodies did that night!)

Bear your testimony of the Atonement and Jesus Christ.

Closing Song: I Feel My Savior’s Love, Children’s Songbook, p. 74

Closing Prayer:

Treat: Ice Cream Sundaes (w/chocolate sauce!!)

“Jesus Christ Will Return to the Earth Someday”

Family Home Evening Lesson - Primary Theme 2010

OPENING SONG: “Had I Been a Child” (Children’s Song Book, #80)

OR “Samuel Tells of the Baby Jesus” (Children’s Song Book, #36)

OPENING PRAYER:

LESSON: “And he also spake concerning the prophets, how great a number had

testified … concerning this Messiah, … this Redeemer of the world” (1 Ne. 10:5).

Imagine that you lived over two thousand years ago in a city named Zarahemla. The city is surrounded by a high wall that protects the people from their enemies. Imagine that one day, while walking through the city with your parents, you hear a lot of commotion ahead of you. As you come nearer, you see a man standing upon the city wall. He is prophesying of the coming of the Messiah and the things that will happen in both Zarahemla and in the land of Jerusalem as signs that He has been born.

You and your parents stop and listen to this man’s message. He is named Samuel and is a Lamanite prophet. The Lamanites have been your enemies for many years, but as you listen to him, you feel that the things he is saying are true. He says that in five years the Messiah will be born in the land of Jerusalem and that when He is born, a new star will appear in the heavens. There will be a day and a night and a day without any darkness. It will appear to be as one day. When these things happen, the people in Zarahemla will know that the Savior has been born. Some of the people around you, however, do not believe Samuel and are very angry with him. They begin to throw stones at him and try to shoot him with arrows. He cannot be injured, though, and he escapes. (Show Gospel Art Kit picture #314.)

After returning home, your parents tell you that the man you heard is a prophet of God and that the things he taught are true. You and your family are baptized and prepare for the coming of the Messiah (see Hel. 16:1–5). You study the scriptures together, pray to Heavenly Father, and listen to the teachings of the prophets. In five years, a new star does appear and there is a night without darkness. You know that the Savior has been born, just as the prophet Samuel had said. What a joyful day!

It is fun to imagine that we lived long ago and heard Samuel prophesy about the coming of Jesus Christ. Many prophets besides Samuel told the people of their times about the Savior’s birth. Those prophecies were fulfilled that night in Bethlehem. Just as the prophets testified of the Savior’s birth, they have prophesied that He will come again. At His Second Coming, Jesus Christ will come not as a child but as an adult, and He will then rule and reign forever. All people everywhere will know that He is the Son of God and the Redeemer of the world.

Although we do not know when He will come again, we have been told to prepare for that time. We can prepare for His Second Coming just as the righteous people in Zarahemla prepared for His birth. We can follow the words of the prophets. We can study the scriptures and pray to Heavenly Father. We can keep our baptismal covenant and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

Prophets today continue to prophesy that the Savior will come again. If we follow the prophet, we will be prepared. What a joyful day that will be!

Discuss how your family feels about the Second Coming of Christ and the things

they can do to prepare.

Activity: Instructions and printable materials listed below.

Optional Christmas Themed Activity:

Have a child dress up as a shepherd boy and tell the story of the Savior’s birth in

Bethlehem. Talk to the children about the events surrounding the humble birth of

Jesus Christ and sing “Away in a Manger,” (Children’s Songbook, pp. 42–43).

Contrast that setting with what the prophets have said will occur when He comes

again by having the children look up scriptures concerning the Second Coming.

Prepare strips of paper with a summary of each scripture ahead of time. (For

example: Isa. 65:25 / There will be peace on earth; Matt. 16:27 / He will come in

His glory; Matt. 16:27 / Angels will come with Him; Matt. 24:30 / He will come in

clouds of glory; Matt. 24:36 / No man knows the day of His coming; 1 Thes. 4:16 /

The Lord will descend from heaven with a shout; D&C 76:108 / He will come to be

our king; D&C 133:25 / He will stand in the midst of His people and reign over all

flesh.) Put a picture of the Savior’s Second Coming (GAK 238) on the board and

have the children place wordstrips describing the events of the Savior’s Second

Coming under the picture as they find each scripture. Sing “When He Comes

Again,” (Children’s Songbook, pp. 82–83).

CLOSING SONG: “When He Comes Again” (Children’s Song Book # 82)

OR “Christmas Bells” (Children’s Song Book #54)

CLOSING PRAYER:

TREAT: Candy Cane Cookies (Make dough ahead of time. If your kids like Play

Doh, they'll love making these!)

1 cup sugar 3 ½ cups flour

1 cup butter or margarine, softened 1 tsp baking powder

½ cup milk ¼ tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla ½ tsp red food color

1 tsp peppermint extract (or almond) 2 TBSP finely

crushed peppermint candies

1 egg 2 TBSP Sugar

Stir together 1 cup sugar, the butter, milk, vanilla, peppermint (or almond) extract

and egg in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt. Divide dough in half.

Stir food color into 1 half. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. (It may not need

to be refrigerated.)

Heat oven to 375ºF.

Stir together peppermint candy and 2 tablespoon sugar; set aside.

For each candy cane, shape 1 rounded teaspoon dough from each half into 4-inch

rope by rolling back and forth on floured surface. Place 1 red and white rope side

by side; press together lightly and twist. Place on ungreased cookie sheet; curve

top of cookie down to form handle of cane.

Bake 9 to 12 minutes or until set and very light brown. Immediately sprinkle candy

mixture over cookies. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely,

about 30 minutes.

(Treats from: http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas)

ACTIVITY: I Can Be Ready When Jesus Comes Again

1. Make enough copies of this page for each member of the family. If you print on card stock, skip step

2.

2. Glue this page onto a heavier piece of paper.

3. Have each family member color the picture of things you can do to prepare for the Savior’s Second

Coming.

4. Cut out Sections A and B and the window in Section A.

5. Form two tubes by gluing Tab 1A behind Tab 1 and Tab 2B behind Tab 2 (see illustration).

Place Section B inside Section A. As you turn Section B, pictures will appear to help remind you of some

of the things you can do to be ready for the Second Coming. Choose one thing each week that you will

try to do a little bit better to help you be better prepared.

*(Lesson and activity from: Diane Nichols, “Sharing Time: What a Joyful Day!,” Friend, Dec 2001, 21.)

“I Can Live with Jesus Christ Again”

Family Home Evening Lesson - Primary Theme 2010

OPENING SONG: “When Jesus Was On Earth”, by Jeanne P Lawler. (Friend, August

1977)

OR “Have a Very Merry Christmas” (Children’s Song Book, #51)

OPENING PRAYER:

LESSON & ACTIVITY:

We can live with Jesus Christ again. The reason this is possible is because of Christ’s

Atonement. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a special gift that He gave us. This gift

from Christ makes it possible for all of God’s children to live again after we die. But in

order to live with Christ and Heavenly Father, we have to be worthy. The teachings of

Jesus Christ teach us how we need to live so we can live with Them again. What can we do

to be worthy to live with Christ again?

Discuss the following question with your family and cater the discussion to their level of

understanding:

“What do you think we can do to be worthy to live with Christ again?”

• Live the commandments

• Make and keep covenants

• Repent

• Love others

• What else can we do?

Scripture: Matthew 25:40

“And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have

done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

Explain: This scripture means that when we show love toward other people, we are showing

love toward our Savior Jesus Christ. (Show Gospel Art Kit picture #218 “The Good

Samaritan”.) Let’s make a special effort this Christmas season to show love for our Savior

by showing love for others.

Ask: What can you do this Christmas season to show love for others? Give each child time

to share specific things they can do this month to show love for others.

Activity:

You will need:

• Small picture of Christ

• Nice background paper of your choosing

• Strips of paper

• Pens/pencils

• Ribbon

Before: Make a Christ Ornament for your Christmas tree by mounting a small picture of

Christ on some nice paper and put a pocket on the back so that once you have finished

doing the service gifts you can place the strip of paper in the pocket and give that gift to

Christ.

During Family Home Evening: Give each member of the family a few strips of paper. Have

each person choose 2-5 things that they can do to show love for others before Christmas

that can then be given as gifts to Jesus. Some examples include: make your bed so Mommy

doesn’t have to, pick up toys for your brother or sister, make Christmas cards for your

friends, grandparents or neighbors, etc. Keep extra strips of paper so if they finish the

ones they have already made they can make more. After opening your presents on

Christmas morning take your Christ ornament down and read aloud all the gifts that your

family has given to Christ this season.

(Activity from: http://nataliesfhespot.blogspot.com/search/label/Chist)

Discuss: Talk with your family about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. We have

Christmas so we can celebrate the birth of Christ and remember His love for us. Christ’s

birth was such an important event because it was the beginning of his life here on earth,

which was one of His gifts to us. Christ showed us through His example how to live so we

can return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father again one day.

CLOSING SONG: “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Song Book # 34)

OR “Away in a Manger” (Children’s Song Book #42)

CLOSING PRAYER:

TREAT: Rolo Pretzel Turtles

These treats can be packaged nicely and given to neighbors as gifts. They can be one of

the acts of service that your family does as part of the activity above.

You will need: Small round or square pretzels Pecan halves Rolos, Hershey Kisses, or a similar chocolate candy (something with caramel is extra good) Plastic bags Labels and markers

Heat your oven to 400°f (200°c) and have the kids stack the pretzels and then Rolos on a cookie sheet. This may take a while, so let them have fun with it. It’s the easy, non-hot part.

Place them in the hot oven for 3 minutes. Different candies take different times, but you want the candy soft enough to be squishy.

Take them out of the oven and transfer to a plate so the kids don’t burn themselves on the tray. Have them push the pecan half on top of the chocolate, squishing it down. The chocolate will be hot, so supervise closely.

Chill the candies in the fridge and place into baggies when they are firm. Make decorative labels if you wish. Now give away as gifts (or keep and enjoy)! (Treat from: http://kiddley.com/2006/12/21/pecan-pretzel-chocolate-delicious/)

Optional Discussion for Older Children

Display “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” document for your family to see. (Printable PDF version available online at: http://www.lds.org/languages/LivingChrist/LivingChristEnglish.pdf)

Share the following excerpt from John M Madsen’s “Eternal Life through Jesus Christ”, Ensign, May 2002, 1978:

To know the Lord Jesus Christ, we and all mankind must receive Him. And to receive Him, we must receive His servants.

Almost 2,000 years ago, a rich young man asked an extremely important question of the Savior: “Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16).

Having “heard” the Savior’s instructions and His gentle invitation to “come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21), the rich young man “went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions” (Matt. 19:22).

Tragically, millions in the world today still prize and choose “the riches of the earth” over the “riches of eternity” (D&C 38:39), not knowing or fully understanding that “he that

hath eternal life is rich” (D&C 6:7; emphasis added), and that eternal life is God’s greatest

gift to man (see D&C 14:7). Simply stated, eternal life is to live forever as families in the presence of God (see D&C 132:19–20, 24, 55).

In His great Intercessory Prayer, the Savior gives to all mankind the key to obtaining eternal life: “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” (John 17:3).

But how can man come to know the only true God?

The Savior answers: “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

I testify that the only way we and all mankind can come unto our Heavenly Father

and know Him, and thus obtain eternal life, is to come unto the Lord Jesus Christ and

know Him.

But who is Jesus Christ that we should come unto Him and know Him? I know of no more wonderful summary of the identity and role of the Lord Jesus Christ than the declaration

of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve entitled “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles,” from which I quote:

(If you have a copy of “The Living Christ: The Testimony of the Apostles” you can read the

full document. You can also pass around this lesson and have family members take turns

reading each of the following parts of the testimony.)

“[Jesus Christ] was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. …

“… He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. …

“… He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

“He rose from the grave to ‘become the firstfruits of them that slept’ (1 Cor. 15:20). As Risen Lord, He … ministered among His ‘other sheep’ (John 10:16) in ancient America. … He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised ‘dispensation of the fullness of times’ (Eph. 1:10). …

“… His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—‘built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone’ (Eph. 2:20).

“… He will someday return to earth … [and] rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords. … Each of us will stand to be judged of Him. …

“… His duly ordained Apostles [bear testimony] that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel. … He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world” (Ensign, Apr. 2000, 2–3).

It is wonderful, and absolutely essential, to know who the Lord Jesus Christ is.

But again, I testify that the only way we and all mankind can come unto our Heavenly

Father and know Him, and thus obtain eternal life, is to come unto the Lord Jesus

Christ and know Him.

Discuss this excerpt from Elder Madsen:

• How can knowing this impact the way that we live every day? • What can we do, specifically, to come to know Jesus Christ? • Name one thing that you will commit to do that will help you to come to know Jesus

Christ more.